HBV, HCV and HIV among female sex workers; is it a health problem?

Female sex workers (FSWs) are a marginalized group notoriously having limited healthcare access and poor-quality care. Inevitably, they are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections including human immune deficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The aim of this study was to study the frequency and the factors associated with HIV, HBV, and HCV among FSWs. In a cross-sectional study from December 2016 till March 2017, 52 Egyptian FSWs were interviewed and tested for markers of HBV, HCV and HIV infections. Oral and anal sex were reported in 48.1% and 17.3%, respectively. 25 FSWs had sex with drug users and 25% reported sex under the influence of drug/alcohol. Consistent condom use was reported in 3.8%. Two cases (3.8%) were HCV-Ab positive. Anti-HBs and anti-HBc were detected in 10 (19.2%) and 5 (9.6%) respectively and 78.8% were susceptible to HBV infection. None had HIV antibodies. History of circumcision by a traditional practitioner (p = 0.047), older age (0.014), and multiple sex partners (p = 0.024) were significantly associated with HBV infection. FSWs are at a higher risk of acquiring HBV infection than the normal population. They are at the potential risk of other STIs due to the high prevalence of at-risk-sex-practices.