Abstract

This study was attempted to define epidemiologically the possibility and the magnitude of sexual transmission of HBV in Korea. Two groups of prostitutes; one group(309) deals with Koreans, the other group(126) deals with American soldiers stationing in Korea, were tested for the presence of HBsAg and anti-HBs. The prevalence rate of HBsAg or anti-HBs was significantly higher in prostitutes who deal with Korean(41.7%) than in prostitutes who deal with American soldiers(30.2%) (p<0.025). Among the prostitutes who deal with American soldiers, there was no appreciable difference in the prevalence rate of HBsAg or anti-HBs by the duration of prostitution. However, among the prostitutes who deal with Koreans, the prevalence rate was increased with the duration of prostitution, although it did not reach the statistically significant level(p=0.12). There was no remarkable association between the prevalence rate of HBsAg or anti-HBs and educational level, history of operation or history of transfusion. The data support the possibility of sexual transmission of viral hepatitis B but it seems sexual transmission does not contribute significantly to the prevalence rate of HBsAg or anti-HBs in Korea.