Dual seroreactivity to HIV-1 and HIV-2 in female sex workers in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the absolute and proportional prevalence of dual seroreactivity to HIV-1 and HIV-2 in female sex workers in Abidjan, to determine risk determinants for this serologic profile, and to describe the associated clinical and immunological characteristics.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Confidential clinic for female sex workers in Abidjan.


METHODS
Female sex workers.


METHODS
HIV serostatus, CD4+ counts, women with AIDS, behavioural and sociodemographic characteristics.


RESULTS
Among 1209 women tested, the overall HIV seroprevalence was 80%, while the prevalence of dual seroreactivity was 30%. Dual seroreactivity accounted for 38% of all HIV infections. Compared with women reacting to HIV-1 only, dually seroreactive women were significantly more likely to have been in sex work for a longer period, to be aged > or = 20 years, and to charge less money for intercourse. No difference in mean CD4+ count was noted between women with dual seroreactivity (561 x 10(6)/l) and HIV-1-seropositive women (558 x 10(6)/l).


CONCLUSIONS
Female sex workers in Abidjan had the highest absolute (30%) and proportional rate (38%) of dual seroreactivity yet described in any population. Increased sexual exposure is associated with an increased risk of dual seroreactivity. Although better molecular diagnostic techniques are required, a substantial proportion of female sex workers in Abidjan is likely to be infected with both HIV-1 and HIV-2.
Ghys
P D
PD
Projet RETRO-CI, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
Diallo
M O
MO
Ettiègne-Traoré
V
V
Yeboué
K M
KM
Gnaoré
E
E
Lorougnon
F
F
Teurquetil
M J
MJ
Adom
M L
ML
Greenberg
A E
AE
Laga
M
M
D000328:Adult; D007560:Cote d'Ivoire / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence; D015497:HIV-1; D015498:HIV-2; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work