Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a public health problem worldwide. Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV), hepatitis C virus infection (HCV), and syphilis are among the STIs. Female sex workers (FSWs) continue to be a high-risk group for STIs due to a variety of factors, including exposure to unsafe sexual practices. Therefore, this study determines the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, Treponema palladium , and associated factors among FSWs in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 194 FSWs from March to June 2021 in Gondar town. Socio-demographic and behavioral data were collected using a questionnaire. Five milliliters (5mL) of venous blood was collected and tested for hepatitis B surface antigens, anti-hepatitis C antibodies, and anti-syphilis antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression, univariate, and multivariate analyses were carried out. A p-value of < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 194 FSWs were included in the study. The seroprevalence rates of HBV infection, HCV infection, and syphilis were 23 (11.9%), 13 (6.7%), and 22 (11.3%), respectively. All three infections were statistically associated with inconsistent condom use (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.95–5.07, p = 0.03); (AOR = 10.51, 95% CI: 1.62–68.26, p = 0.014); and (AOR = 17.3, 95% CI: 4.55–65.6, p = 0.001). Whereas sex stimulant drug use (AOR = 9.4, 95% CI: 1.002–88.14), intravenous drug use (AOR = 15.53, 95% CI: 1.9–127.99, p=0.011), and sex while having a vaginal ulcer (AOR = 5.72, 95% CI: 1.13–28.9, p=0.035) were all statistically associated with HCV infection. Conclusion The prevalence of HBV infection, HCV infection, and syphilis was comparatively higher. Regular screening, health education, and other preventative strategies are advised to lower the STI burden among FSWs.
Background Globally, chronic viral hepatitis is the cause of mortality alongside human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and tuberculosis. Published reports on the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among HIV-infected children are lacking in sub-Saharan Africa. Hence, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-experienced children at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Methods We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among HAART-experienced children from January to May 2020. We collected the socio-demographic characteristics of study participants with pretested questioners and clinical data from medical records. We performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based laboratory test for serum hepatitis B surface antigens and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies. Finally, we analyzed the frequency of all variables, determined the association of independent variables with hepatitis B and C viruses by using univariable and then multivariable logistic regression. Results A total of 241 HAART-experienced children were enrolled, 49.8% of whom were girls. The median age of participants was 13 years (interquartile range 11–14). The seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infection among HAART-experienced children were 9.5% and 2.9%, respectively. Being underweight was significantly associated with both hepatitis B virus (AOR = 3.87: 95% CI; 1.04–14.46, P = 0.044) and hepatitis C virus infections (AOR = 4.54: 95% CI; 1.21–17.04, P = 0.025). Conclusions This study showed that the magnitude of hepatitis B and C viruses was high among HIV-infected children who were under HAART and did not know their hepatitis B and C infection status before. Being underweight was associated with both hepatitis viruses. Therefore, screening for hepatitis B and C viruses should be a routine measure for all HIV-infected children.
We have read and appreciated the response letter by Isnawati et al to our article entitled "Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Syphilis, and Associated Factors Among Female Sex Workers in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia."The letter really points out some important issues; we thank you for that, but we also want to respond to some of the issues. The first point that was raised on the issue of screening simultaneously both HBsAg and HBsAb, as it is recommended, was that screening only HBsAg is not adequate from two points of view.The first is the issue of infection type: whether acute, chronic, or in recovery (viral clearance) from another HBV serotype, "HBsAg examination without being followed by other serological tests (HbsAb and HBcAb) could not distinguish the type of infection". It is useful to have information about the type of infection; however, our goal was to determine whether or not the female sex workers (FSWs) had the infection.The recommended test could not distinguish the chronicity of the HBV infection; possibly, the Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) could tell of a previous HBV infection, but this would not mean that it was a chronic infection. To confirm chronic infection, we must repeat the HBsAg test after 6 months. 1,2 Screening for HBsAg can detect current infection. This was the primary goal of the research. Hepatitis B surface antibody (HbsAb) serological test: The presence of anti-HBs is commonly interpreted as indicating recovery and immunity from hepatitis B virus infection or successful vaccination against hepatitis B virus. 1,2 The presence or absence of HbsAb does not indicate whether the individual has acute or chronic HBV infection. 1,2 The second issue here is that, put alongside the results of the HBsAg test with anti-HCV and syphilis antibody data is not appropriate. Anti-HCV and anti-Syphilis showed that the respondent had been in contact with microorganisms, whether exposure or infection could not be ascertained. Both only provide evidence of developed immunity as a result of past natural infection, post-vaccination or even development of immunity that occurs concurrently with the disease. (acute or chronic)
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.