High-risk behaviors for hepatitis B and C infections among female sex workers

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

The prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C and risk behaviors among 402 female sex workers in Central Brazil were investigated by respondent-driven sampling.

METHODS:

Blood samples were tested for hepatitis B and C markers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two hepatitis B vaccination schedules were performed.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections were 9.3% and 0.5%, respectively. Susceptibility to hepatitis B infection was observed in 61.5% of subjects. There was no significant difference in adherence index (p=0.52) between vaccination schedules and all participants had protective antibody titers.

CONCLUSIONS:

This hard-to-reach population requires hepatitis B and C surveillance.

Keywords:
Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Female sex workers