Background and objective: We aimed to evaluate the serological status of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the vaccination's needs among high risk populations.
Patients and method: Cross sectional study of subjects first attending a HIV diagnosis clinic in Madrid during 2000-2002. Patients who had not been vaccinated for HBV were classified according to the serological markers as active infection (HBsAg+), past infection (anti-HBc+ and HBsAg) or susceptible (anti-HBc).
Results: A total of 7,827 patients were analyzed: 5.2% injecting drug users, 21% homosexual men, 38% female sex workers, and 34% subjects with other heterosexual risks. 50% were from countries other than Spain. HIV prevalence was 4.1%. 10.4% had completed or initiated the vaccination. The prevalence of HBsAg was 1.2% and it was associated with age over 30 years and an origin country in Africa or eastern Europe. 76% were susceptible to HBV and this status was independently associated with male sex, age lower than 30 years, heterosexual risk, Spaniard or Latin American origin, and HIV seronegative.
Conclusions: Vaccination should be intensified in health care settings commonly attended by these population groups.