Human Herpes Virus Type 8 and its co-infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Treponema pallidum among female sex workers in Malindi Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

The prevalence of Human Herpes Virus type 8 (HHV-8) is high in Sub-Saharan Africa (36-60%) in the general population. The risk factors associated with HHV-8 range from socio-demographic to geographic and behavioral characteristics. Documented studies on HHV-8 in Kenya are few and data on its co-infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and syphilis is scanty. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of HHV-8, associated risk factors and co-infection with HIV and syphilis among Female Sex Workers (FSWs). A cross-sectional survey involving 268 participants was conducted and blood samples screened for antibodies against HHV-8 using enzyme linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Infections by HIV and syphilis were tested using parallel algorithm and one step Anti-TP test respectively. Socio-demographic data was collected using a questionnaire administered by a health worker. The prevalence of HHV-8 was 25% (67/268), HIV 16.4% (44/268) whereas syphilis accounted for 2.24% (6/268). Of those infected with HHV-8, a co-infection of 12% (8/67) was recorded with HIV and 3% (2/67) with syphilis. FSWs in marriage posed a significant risk to HHV-8 infection (OR 2.90; p=0.043). There was no significant association between HHV-8 and HIV positivity (OR 0.62; p=0.257) or syphilis positivity (OR 1.52; p=0.636). HHV-8/HIV co-infection was associated with increased age (OR 11.21; p=0.027) and syphilis infection (OR 21.33; p=0.001). Lack of association between HHV-8 and HIV or syphilis in this study shows that sexual mode does not play a significant role in HHV-8 transmission in this population. Continuous monitoring of HHV-8 infection and its potential co-infections is recommended among FSWs and by extension the general population.