Forced vaginal sex and genital immune correlates of HIV risk: a prospective study of female sex workers in Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The likelihood of HIV acquisition is increased following forced vaginal sex. This relates in part to epidemiological and behavioural factors; however, the biological effects of forced vaginal sex, including impacts on immune parameters linked to HIV susceptibility, are poorly understood. Here, we examine biological mediators of HIV susceptibility among female sex workers (FSWs) in Nairobi, Kenya, who recently experienced forced vaginal sex.

Methods

The Maisha Fiti study was a longitudinal cohort study of FSWs from Nairobi, Kenya. At up to three visits, HIV-uninfected participants completed a detailed sociodemographic survey in which they were asked if they had experienced forced vaginal sex in the past 7 days. Proinflammatory cytokines and soluble E-cadherin (sE-c

SUBMITTER: Pollock J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12718569 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature