Sexually Transmitted Infections among Female Sex Workers in Some Selected Region of Bayelsa State
B. O. Eledo
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Madonna University, Elele, Nigeria
Sylvester C. Izah *
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, P.M.B. 071 Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
E. C. Onuoha
Medical Laboratory Services, Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study investigated some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among some most at risk population (MAPS) in Bayelsa state. Blood samples were collected from 156 (one hundred and fifty six apparently healthy female sex workers (FSW) aged between 19 to 41 years and screened using standard procedures. Results showed that 9.62% of the FSW in the study area among the various grade had STIs. Of the overall prevalence rate in this present study, the occurrence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Syphilis is 8.33%, 0.00%, 0.64% and 0.64% respectively. HIV has the highest occurrence rate, suggesting STIs being cofactors of HIV transmission. There was a low occurrence of STI noted in the study.
Keywords: Most at risk population, female sex workers, sexually transmitted infections