Estimates of human immunodeficiency virus incidence among female sex workers in north central Nigeria: implications for HIV clinical trials

We estimated the HIV incidence among commercial female sex workers (FSWs) in north central Nigeria using bimodal methodology. Using a cross-sectional study design, a total of 900 active FSWs between the ages of 18 and 35 years were recruited from 52 brothels within Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A rapid test algorithm was used to determine their HIV status. The BED IgG-Capture enzyme immunoassay (CEIA) was applied on the HIV-seropositive samples to detect recent HIV-1 infection for the estimation of incidence among those with HIV infection. Of the 900 FSWs tested, 335 (37.2%) were found to be positive for HIV. Of these, 63 showed evidence of recent infection. Using two third-generation BED analysis approaches that account for false-recent rate, an annualized adjusted HIV incidence of 11.97% (95% CI: 8.51-15.43%) and 12.36% (95% CI: 8.18-16.34%) was observed; difference P > 0.05. In addition, 875 (97.2%) of the FSWs readily agreed to participate in HIV clinical trials. We have developed the expertise and infrastructure necessary for clinical trial investigations in sub-Saharan Africa. We have recorded a high proportion of recent HIV infections among FSWs in Nigeria and also provided an enabling environment for future studies of HIV prevention methods.