RISK-FACTORS FOR HEPATITIS-B VIRUS-INFECTION IN HETEROSEXUALS ATTENDING A VENEREAL-DISEASE CLINIC IN COPENHAGEN

Markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were measured in 465 non- drug-abusing heterosexually transmitted disease (STD) patients. HBV ma rkers were found in altogether 70 persons, of whom 7 were HBsAg carrie rs. Those chronically infected were all born in HBV intermediate/high endemic areas. Gonorrhoea was the only STD that was correlated to an i ncreased risk of HBV markers. Number of sexual partners, sex and age w as not correlated with HBV infection, irrespective of country of origi n. The risk of having HBV markers in an STD clientele in Copenhagen wa s highly dependent on the country of birth, as the prevalences were 7% (21/307) in persons born in Denmark, 19% (9/47) in those born in othe r low endemic areas and 36% (40/111) in those born in intermediate/hig h endemic areas. Falling incidence of gonorrhoea and other STD may ren der it difficult to point out risk factors indicative of HBV immunizat ion in heterosexual STD patients. In low-risk countries, screening for HBV markers should however be offered to all immigrants and refugees as a part of an HBV immunization program.