Prevalence of HBsAg and Antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus among Female Sex Workers in Bangui

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a public health problem. Sex workers remain a vulnerable group. Objective: To determine the prevalence of HBsAg and hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody transport among female sex workers (FSW) in Bangui. Patients and Methods: All FSW carriers of HBsAg and/or anti-HCV Antibodies were collected in a 6-month cross-sectional analytical study. The HBsAg research used the Monolisa HBsAg® (BioMérieux®) technique, sandwich ELISA. HCV serology consisted of the search for anti HCV antibodies by monolisa HCV (BioMérieux®), Elisa of the sandwich type. HIV serology used two Elisa tests (Genscreen® and Vironostika®). Data analysis was done using Epi Info 3.5.1 software. The Chi2 test was used for comparison with a significance level p < 0.05. Results: Among the 345 FSW enrolled, 41 (11.9%) were carriers of HBsAg and 3 (0.8%) had anti HCV antibodies. The mean age was 21.3 years in HBsAg-positive FSW and 25 years in FSW with anti-HCV antibodies. FSW with HBsAg engaged in informal trade (n = 17), prostitution in bars or on the street (n = 15) and prostitution in the city (n = 9). On the other hand, the 3 FSW carrying anti-HCV antibodies were engaged in prostitution in the city. The 41 FSW HBsAg positive and 304 FSW HBsAg negative had at least 3 sexual partners. Anal penetration during sexual intercourse was acknowledged by 20 FSW carrying HBsAg and 101 FSW HBsAg negative (p = 0.0518). Among the 3 FSW (0.8%) carrying anti-HCV antibodies, 2 were carrying HBsAg. HIV serology was positive in 66FSW (19.13%) including 15 FSW coinfected with HIV/HBV (p = 0.0025). Conclusion: The prevalence of hepatitis B is high among FSW. Awareness and prevention action must be taken in favor of this key population.