Seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B infections and syphilis among street dwellers in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Seroprevalence of HIV, HBV infections and syphilis are well established in different segments of Ethiopian population but there are no such estimates in street dwellers. Objective: To assess seroprevalence of HIV, HBV and syphilis among street dwellers. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from April to August 2004 involving street dwellers in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and sexual behaviors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Sera were tested for the presence of HIV antibodies using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Hepatitis B Virus infection was assessed by an immunochromatographic test. Syphilis serology was examined using rapid plasma reagin and Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests. Results: Of the total 404 street dwellers enrolled in the study, 72.8% were males and 27.2% were females. Among the females 10% responded that they had been sexually abused. Seroprevalence of HIV was 6.9%. The prevalence in females (11.8%) was significantly higher than that in males (5.1%) (OR=2.5, 95% CI, 1.1-5.8, P=0.02). The highest prevalence of HIV was observed in the age group of 26-35 years. HIV seropositivity was significantly correlated with the number of sexual partners (p<0.0001). Antibodies against Treponema pallidum were detected in 10.9% of the subjects. Syphilis serology also correlated with the number of sexual partners (OR=5.9, 95%CI 2.3-15.6, P=0.0001). Of the 302 street dwellers examined for the presence of HBsAg, 33 (10.9%) were found positive. Seropositivity for HBsAg was higher in females (28.9%) than that in males (8.3%) (OR=4.5 95%CI 1.8-11.0 P=0.001). Conclusion: The data indicated high prevalence of HIV, HBV and syphilis among street dwellers in Gondar city. Intensified prevention activities targeting this population will have paramount importance in halting spread of the infections. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2006;20(3):160-165]