Syphilis and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Sero-Prevalence Among Female Sex Workers and Men Who Have Sex with Men in Ecuador

Syphilis and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Sero-Prevalence Among Female Sex Workers and Men Who Have Sex with Men in Ecuador and Andhra Pradesh (India)
Abstract:
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) are a major public health issue worldwide. Despite of that, there is lack of data on their magnitude particularly in developing countries. Previous studies have shown that female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with man (MSM) are population groups with an average number of sexual partners higher than the general population. Because of this, and because their partners are from different groups in the population, FSW and MSM are key for STIs transmission dynamics. In this study, we provide an overview on STI among MSM and FSW from two developing countries: Ecuador and India. We present syphilis and herpes simplex virus type 2 sero-prevalence and trends during a 4 year period, in two high-level vulnerable groups from two countries with very different economies, cultural and social norms. According to our results, there is an important presence of both STIs among these population groups, each one affecting to a different extent each one of the groups. The results show a reduction of syphilis and herpes sero-prevalence among these high-risk population groups in India, whereas an important STI increase was reported in Ecuador during the same time period. The information provided in this research has a meaningful impact in terms of STI and HIV prevention. Read Article