title: The prevalence and risk factors of human papillomavirus in female sex workers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Human papillomavirus virus (HPV) is the major causative factor for cervical cancer, and sex workers are at high risk for HPV infection. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of HPV infection among female sex workers (FSWs).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 239 brothel-based FSWs who work in Izmir, Turkey. A self-administered questionnaire for risk factors was completed, and cervical brush samples were taken for HPV detection and typing. HPV detection and typing were performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse hybridization methods. The risk factors related to HPV infection were determined by multivariate analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of HPV among FSWs was 20.1%. HPV18 was the most common type (40%), followed by HPV16 (17%) and HPV50 (15%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that being less than 30 years of age, having a high frequency of sexual contacts, smoking, and lack of condom use were significantly associated with HPV infection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FSWs have a high prevalence of HPV infection and are at increased risk for cervical cancer. As they are a priority group for active follow-up, national strategies for reducing HPV among FSWs and regular cervical cancer screening programs should be implemented for this population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Tepecik Research and Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gursel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ersan
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Tepecik Research and Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Sukran
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kose
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Tepecik Research and Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Suheyla Serin
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Senger
authors.affiliation: Brothel Physician, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Habibe
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gunes
authors.affiliation: Ege Obstetrics and Gynecology Education and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Salim
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sehirali
authors.affiliation: Izmir Branch of Ministry of Health, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ilhan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gurbuz
keywords: Human papillomavirus; Sex workers