[Serologic markers of viral hepatitis B in drug addicted++ patients at the Hermilio Valdizán Hospital].

A study was done in 36 drug addict patients at the H. Valdizan Hospital We studied serological markers for Hepatitis B: HBsAg Anti-HBc, and anti-HIV was also made. They were not IV abusers. Five patients (13.8%) were positive for HBsAg and 6 (16.6%) for anti-HBc. Anti-HIV was negative in all the cases, that obtained from our results compared with the general adult population from peruvian coast are high. In relation to the information obtained, the transmission route would be diverse, considering an important one the sexual route. 44 drug addicts were seen in 1988 at this Hospital, 36 cases could be a representative number, although we think we need to extend this study to a bigger population to establish the actual prevalence of this infection among these particular patients. This information could help to advice preventive and control health measures.