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. 2012 Apr;23(4):242-7.
doi: 10.1258/ijsa.2011.011193.

Human papillomavirus prevalence, cervical abnormalities and risk factors among female sex workers in Lima, Peru

B Brown  1 , M M Blas, A Cabral, G Byraiah, C Guerra-Giraldez, V Sarabia-Vega, C Carcamo, P E Gravitt, N A Halsey
Affiliations

Human papillomavirus prevalence, cervical abnormalities and risk factors among female sex workers in Lima, Peru

B Brown et al. Int J STD AIDS. 2012 Apr.

Abstract

Female sex workers (FSWs) are at high risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Questionnaires were administered to 200 FSWs aged 18-26 years in Lima, Peru, to gather risk behaviours, and cervical swab samples were collected for Pap smears and HPV DNA testing as part of a longitudinal study. Participants reported a median of 120 clients in the past month, and 99.2% reported using condoms with clients. The prevalence of any HPV in cervical samples was 66.8%; 34 (17.1%) participants had prevalent HPV 16 or 18, and 92 (46.2%) had one or more oncogenic types. Fifteen women had abnormal Pap smears, 13 of which were HPV DNA positive. Fewer years since first sex was associated with oncogenic HPV prevalence in a model adjusted for previous sexually transmitted infection (STI) status and condom use with partners (prevalence ratio = 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.60-0.97). Our data confirm the high rates of HPV transmission among FSWs in Peru, highlighting the need for early and effective strategies to prevent cervical cancer.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Final study participants from initial eligibility screening. FSW = female sex worker
Figure 2
Figure 2
Presence of 37 high- and low-risk HPV DNA genotypes among 199 female sex workers in Lima, Peru. HPV = human papillomavirus
Figure 3
Figure 3
Management of Pap smear results. HSIL = high-grade intraepithelial lesions; LSIL = low-grade intraepithelial lesions; ASCUS = atypical squamous cells of unknown significance; LEEP = loop electrosurgical excision procedure
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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