Prevalence and predictors of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection among female sex workers in Yunnan Province, China.
The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and to evaluate the relationship between HSV-2 infection and sociodemographic factors and the sexual practices of female sex workers (FSWs) in Kaiyuan city, Yunnan Province, China. This cross-sectional study involved 737 FSWs and was carried out from March to May 2006 with confidential interviews and laboratory tests for HSV-2 and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). HSV-2 was the most common STI (68%), followed by Chlamydia trachomatis (26%), Trichomonas vaginalis (11%), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (8%) and syphilis (7%). Prevalence of HIV-1 was 10.3%. Adjusted odds ratios of HSV-2 seroprevalence were 2.6 (95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.30-5.38) for HIV-1 infection, 2.0 (95% CI: 1.33-3.16) for vaginal douching, 2.0 (95% CI: 0.45-0.86) for condom breaking or falling off during sexual intercourse with the client in the previous week, 1.8 (95% CI: 1.07-3.18) for > or =5 years of commercial sex work, 1.6 (95% CI: 1.08-2.33) for > or =5 clients in the previous week, 0.6 (95% CI: 0.45-0.86) for > or =9 years of education. This study identifies a very high prevalence of HSV-2 infections among FSWs in Yunnan Province, with only a few who reported a prior history of genital herpes. HSV-2 serological screening and suppressive therapy should be considered for study populations. Education on the importance of diagnosis, treatment and prevention may help control the spread of HSV-2 infection.
Wang
Haibo
H
National Center for AIDS/STD Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Beijing, Peoples Republic of China.
Wang
Ning
N
Chen
Ray Y
RY
Sharp
Gerald B
GB
Ma
Yanling
Y
Wang
Guixiang
G
Ding
Guowei
G
Wu
Zhenglai
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000635:transmission; D055815:Young Adult
D000914:Antibodies, Viral