AUSTRALIA ANTIGEN AND ANTIBODY AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING A CLINIC FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

A high frequency of Australia antigen and its antibody was found in patients attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases. Analysis of the case-reports indicated that there were two distinct populations. The antigen was found predominantly in non-promiscuous heterosexual men of Mediterranean origin, who were thought likely to be chronic carriers. In contrast, antibody was most commonly found among homosexual patients and among promiscuous patients of British origin. It is possible that in the U.K. hepatitis type-B virus is commonly transmitted by the sexual route.