Hepatitis B infection among Chinese STD patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Article Abstract:

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be spread by sexual contact. In developed countries, a higher number of serologic markers (indicators detected in blood tests) of HBV infection are found in people who have more sexual partners than the average person in the general population. HBV is more prevalent in underdeveloped countries, but few studies have asked if sexual transmission is the major mode of HBV transmission in these populations. This study examined the prevalence of HBV markers in sexually transmitted disease (STD) patients who had many sexual partners (MP group) and compared the results with a population of individuals in Malaysia who did not having multiple partners (NMP group). Blood specimens were tested for 336 people in the MP group and 234 in the NMP group. Results showed that the carrier rate (having the ability to infect others) for HBV was 9.2 percent in the MP group and 6.8 percent in the NMP group. Infection rates for HBV, as determined by positive test results for at least one serologic marker, were 64.3 percent for the MP group and 38.9 percent for the NMP group. Adjustments for age and sex revealed that no significant differences existed between the two groups for carrier rates, but did exist for infection rates; the MP group was 3.2 times more likely to be infected with HBV. These findings demonstrate that individuals with multiple sexual partners are at an increased risk for being infected with HBV. The study examined only heterosexual populations. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Testing, Risk factors, Malaysia, Disease transmission, Hepatitis, Hepatitis B virus

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Human immunodeficiency virus seroprevalence and condom use among female sex workers in Italy

Article Abstract:

The percentage of HIV infected female sex workers in Italy who do not use injectable drugs has increased in recent years but the percentage of intravenous drug using sex workers has remained relatively stable. Female sex workers were, in total, 16% HIV positive, with that amounting to 6% of sex workers and 39% of the sex workers who used intravenous drugs. Some 95% of sex workers reported regular condom use with clients, but 63% did not use them with noncommercial partners. Of 20 partners, eight were HIV positive.

Health aspects, Italy, Statistics, HIV infection, HIV infections, Prostitutes

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