Influence of Syphilis in Hepatitis B Transmission in a Cohort of Female Prostitutes

Background and Objectives. Prostitutes are at a greater risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection than the general population. We studied the influence of age and time as prostitute on HBV infection. We also examined the relationship between syphilis and infection in a cohort of female prostitutes. Study Design. The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), antibodies to hepatitis D virus (anti-HD) and treponemal antibodies (FTA-ABS) were determined in 368 prostitutes, of whom 147 were submitted to medical and serological follow-up every six months to evaluate the influence of syphilis in the transmission of hepatitis B. Results and Conclusion. The prevalence of HBsAg was 4.6%, of anti-HBc 31.2%, anti-HD 0.5% and FTA-ABS 35.0%. There was a statistical association between the presence of treponemal antibodies and anti-HBc (P = 0.022). The cohort study performed shows that the accumulated incidence of HBV infection in the FTA-ABS positive prostitutes (24.6%) was significantly higher than that of the FTA-ABS negative group (9.7%) (RR = 2.544; = 0.034). Our results indicate that syphilis could facilitate the heterosexual transmission of HBV infection.