Seropositivity and risk factors for herpes simplex virus type 2 infection among female sex workers in Guangxi, China
Chen, S.; Yin, Y.; Chen, X.; Wang, H.; Yu, Y.; Wei, W.; Han, Y.; Jiang, N.; Wang, B.
Plos one 8(7): E69697
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1932-6203 PMID: 23894526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069697
Accession: 055725123
To determine seropositivity of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection and associated risk factors among female sex workers (FSWs) in Guangxi, China. A convenience sample of FSWs was recruited from different types of sex work venues in two cities (Wuzhou and Hezhou) in Guangxi. Blood specimens were collected for ELISA-based detection of HSV-2 antibodies to examine the seropositivity of HSV-2 infection. Socio-demographic and behavioral data were collected through a structured questionnaire interview. Association of HSV-2 seropositivity with socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics and HIV status was analyzed. The overall prevalence of HSV-2 seropositivity among 2453 FSWs was 54.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 52.9-56.9%). The HSV-2 seropositivity was independently associated with older age, low education level, non-Han minority, migration status, working in lower-tier venues and positive HIV status. The study indicates a high prevalence of HSV-2 infection among FSWs, particularly in those working in low-tier venues in study areas, suggesting the needs to further emphasize the inclusion of HSV-2 in surveillance and intervention programs in this population.