Metrics details. Female sex workers FSWs are amongst the most susceptible groups to acquire human papillomavirus HPV infection and consequently, to develop cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to provide estimates of the pooled prevalence of HPV infection and the distribution of HPV types among FSWs across the world. Five computerized databases were searched for relevant studies published since the inception date of databases to September Subgroup analysis was performed to identify the probable sources of heterogeneity.
Sixty-two studies involving 21, FSWs from 33 countries were included in this meta-analysis, and the pooled HPV prevalence was HPV Due to the high prevalence of HPV infection, particularly with high-risk types, FSWs have a great susceptibility to the development of cervical and vaginal cancers.
Furthermore, they can transmit their infection to their clients, which may result in a high prevalence of HPV and the incidence of HPV-associated malignancies among the general population.
Peer Review reports. Human papillomavirus HPV is the most frequently sexually transmitted pathogen in humans. There are more than different HPV genotypes recognized to date which are classified into two major groups, high-risk and low-risk genotypes in terms of their malignancy-causing potential [ 1 , 2 ].
HPV, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 73 and 82 are considered high risk genotypes, whereas low-risk genotypes include HPV-6, 11, 34, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81, and 89 [ 4 ].
