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Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, Leprology, Vol. 71, No. 1, January-February, 2005, pp. 52-53 Letter To Editor HIV and HbsAg seroprevalence in commercial sex workers in Raipur (Chhattisgarh) area Nigam PK, Shrivastava SK Departments of Skin and STD, Pt. J.N.M. Medical College and Assoc. BRAM Hospital, Raipur (C.G.) 492 001 Code Number: dv05017 Sir, Heterosexual intercourse is the dominant mode of HIV transmission in most parts of the world. Commercial sex workers (CSWs) are associated with high incidence of STDs. HIV seroprevalence in CSWs in Mumbai had crossed 69% in 1995.[1] HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) share a common mode of transmission i.e. sexual, parenteral and perinatal. In India, about 4.7% of adult population was found to be infected with HBV. In STD clinic attendees in Mumbai, prevalence rate was 8.8%[2] while in Tirupati, HbsAg seroprevalence in female CSWs was 24% and in STD patients it was 13.6%.[3] Sixty CSWs working around Raipur were counseled by a medical officer and investigated for the presence of HIV, HbsAg and VDRL test. Surface antigen for hepatitis B (HBsAg) was determined by latex agglutination method while antibodies to HIV were detected by dot immuno-assay for the detection of antibodies to HIV 1 and 2. The age of the CSWs ranged from 19 - 44 years (mean 29.75 ± 6.71 years). About 88% of CSWs preferred to work during 8 pm-12 pm while 12% were working during the day. The average duration of sexual exposure was 5.86 ± 2.32 years. Fourteen (23.3%) CSW′s showed positive VDRL test while the seroprevalence of HIV and HbsAg was 5% and 8.33% respectively [Table - 1]. In 1988, the seroprevalence of HIV amongst CSWs was so low that only one HIV seropositive CSW was found out of 701 CSWs examined [4] but now it is well documented from all parts of the world that CSWs have a very high incidence of HIV and HBV infection. Thus they are a major reservoir and source of transmission. The HIV prevalence in CSWs in some of the big cities in India has ranged from 0.5% to 69%. The prevalence rate of 5% of HIV positivity at Raipur is quite high. This may be because the major business connection of Raipur is Mumbai. Again, this indicates that a large scale epidemic is now looming around in this region and this requires urgent educational measures to be taken for all including the CSWs. REFERENCES
Copyright 2005 - Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, Leprology The following images related to this document are available:Photo images[dv05017t1.jpg] |
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