Frösner, G. G. (Hygiene-lnstitut der Universität Tübingen, 74 Tübingen. W. Germany), H. M. Buchholz and H. -J. Gerth. Prevalence of hepatitis B antibody in prostitutes. Am J Epidemiol 102: 241–250, 1975. The possibility that hepatitis B is transmitted venereally was examined by determiningthe prevalence of hepatitis B antibody (anti-HBS) in populations with different levels of promiscuity. Of 258 prostitutes, 31% were anti-HBS positive, compared to 10% of 258 female age-matched blood donors, 10% of 48 nuns living in a convent and 15% of 94 nuns working as teachers. Prevalence of anti-HBS increased with increasing age. In the age group 40–49 years up to 72% of prostitutes were anti-HBS positive, whereas anti-HBS was found in only 23% of blood donors. The correlation of length of the registration period as a prostitute and frequency of venereal diseases to prevalence of anti-HBS supported the hypothesis that the agent of hepatitis B was transmitted sexually. Thiscorrelation was absent for echovirus type 12 and adenovirus type 10 antibody.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Frösner et al. (1975) studied this question.