| Abstract: | The prevalence of HBV markers in prostitutes is known to be higher than that of the normal population of similar age range in previous studies. This study showed a significant correlation between the duration of prostitution and the prevalence of HBV antibodies amongst the prostitutes. The prevalence of HBV antibodies doubled after the first year of prostitution. A two-year follow-up study of these prostitutes showed that 37% of HBsAg positive prostitutes lost the HBsAg. The seroconversion rate of HBsAg negative prostitutes was 10% during this two-year period. Early immunization against HBV infection should be considered in this high risk group in view of these findings. |
