Seroprevalence of HIV, Hepatitis (B and C) Viruses and Syphilis among Female Sex Workers in Ekpoma, Nigeria

¹Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

²Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

^*Corresponding Author: Babatope Isaac Olaniyi, Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: May 06, 2026

Published Date: August 20, 2026

Citation: Babatope IO, et al. (2026). Seroprevalence of HIV, Hepatitis (B and C) Viruses and Syphilis among Female Sex Workers in Ekpoma, Nigeria. Mathews J Immunol Allergy. 10(1):39.

Copyrights: Babatope IO, et al. © (2026).

ABSTRACT

Female sex workers (FSWs) are high-risk group susceptible to acquiring sexually transmitted infections, as well as transmitting the infection to others, due to the nature of their work. The study is aimed at determining the seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis (B and C) viruses and syphilis among female sex workers in Ekpoma, Nigeria. A total of one hundred Female sex workers aged 18 to 45 years were recruited for this study. Human Immunodeficiency Virus serostatus was determined according to the Centre for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) Human Immunodeficiency Virus rapid testing algorithm 11 guideline (Abbot Diagnostics Medical Co., Ltd, Chiba, Japan) while hepatitis B and C viruses screening were carried out using Diaspot one step hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus test strips (Diaspot Diagnostics (Diaspot Inc., USA)): Detection of Treponema pallidum antibodies in whole blood was done using Syphilis ultra-rapid test (Abon Biopharm, China). The results obtained revealed respective seroprevalence rates of 4%, 5%, 7% and 1% for Human Immunodeficiency Virus I & II, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C virus and Syphilis. We hereby recommend regular screening for early detection and initiation of treatment to prevent further transmission of these diseases in the study area.

Keywords: Female, Sex Workers, HIV, Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus, Syphilis, Ekpoma, Transmitted diseases, Nigeria, Palladium T, Serology