Hepatitis B Virus Markers Among the Prostitutes of Dhaka

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier states among prostitutes in Dhaka. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect HBV markers in a group of 164 prostitutes. Serological evidence of current or past HBV infection was present in 129(78.7%) prostitutes. HBsAg was detected in 16(9.7%) of whom 7(43.7%) were positive for e-antigen and e-antibody was present in another 7 (43.7%). Anti-HBs was detected in 94 (57.3%) of the specimens while anti-HBc in 108(73%) of HBsAg negative sera. Prevalence of HBV markers was 87% and 52.6% in VDRL reactive and non reactive sera respectively. The study indicates that the prevalence of HBV infection is high among the prostitutes in Dhaka city. Infection with Treponema pallidum is associated with increased risk of infection with HBV.