Seroprevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI 's) among commercial sex workers using lime/lemon juice for vaginal douching.

Aim: The objective is to establish the relationship between STD'S/ HIV infection and vaginal douching with lime/lemon juice among commercial sex workers.Method: 194 CSW's consented for this population base study in-depth interviews were conducted Pelvic examination was carried OUI, vaginal swabs were taken and samples of venous blood were collected for HIV serology test The data obtained from this study was analyse using simple percentage and chi square.Result : Vaginal douching wilh lime juice was practiced by 61.9% of the CSWs. The Sero-prevalence of HIV was higher among lime users 58(48.3%) than non users 29(39.2%). About half of those who were HIV positive usc a higher concentration of lime juice. Significant numbers of users are harbouring Trichomonas vaginalis 65%( P0.004) and Bacterial Vaginosis 58.3%(P0.0000) than non usersConclusion: Vaginal douching with lime/lemon juice is practiced by CSWs. but associated with higher prevalence of HIV/STls. To minimised the risks of HIV infection its used should be modified.Keyword : HIV, vaginal douching lime/lemonjuice commercial sex worker