Herpes, Syphilis, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection Among Transgender Women in Central Brazil

Abstract

Background: Human herpesvirus 2 (HSV-2) is a major cause of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide and often occurs synergistically with syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Transgender women (TGW) are disproportionately affected by STIs. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HSV-2 monoinfection, and HSV-2, syphilis, and HIV coinfection (triple infection) among TGW in Central Brazil. Methods: A seroprevalence survey was conducted among TGW inCentral Brazil from 2018 to 2019. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and interviewed about their sociodemographic characteristics and STI risk behaviors, and were tested for antibodies to HSV-2, Treponema pallidum, and HIV. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify variables associated with HSV-2 monoinfection and triple infection.Results: Of the 431 participants, 345 (80%) were positive for HSV-2 antibodies, of whom 36 were HSV-2 immunoglobulin M-positive, and 340 were HSV-2 immunoglobulin G-positive. Human herpesvirus 2 and HIV coinfection, HIV and syphilis coinfection, and triple infection were detected in 38 participants (9.0%), 58 participants (13.8%), and 27 participants (6.4%), respectively. Report of a previous STI was associated with a decreased risk of HSV-2 monoinfection (adjusted odds ratio, 0.39), and an increased risk of triple infection (adjusted odds ratio, 4.4). Participants who reported sex not only with men had a 2.42-fold increased risk of triple infection. Conclusions:The high prevalence of HSV-2, syphilis, and HIV coinfection among TGW is a cause for concern. Transgender women should be screened for HIVand other STIs. Further studies of risk factors for triple infection among TGW are warranted.