Frequency of Epstein–Barr Virus Genotypes in Pakistani Trangender SexWorkers

BACKGROUND: Transgender community large association with sex work has put them at a greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) genotypes in transgender sex workers (TSWs) of twin-cities of Pakistan. The high prevalence of EBV-2 genotype in sex workers has been previously reported. EBV genotypes were investigated in transgender sex workers to find out EBV-2 occurrence in Pakistani population. METHODS: A total of 86 transgender (Hijras) sex workers were randomly included in this study. Demographics, including age, the number of sex partners, sexual habits, and awareness about protective methods were obtained. Blood was collected from all subjects and The presence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B and C virus were determined by antibody strip testing. EBV detection and genotyping were performed by extracting genomic DNA from all whole blood samples. Β-globin and EBNA-1 were amplified to assess the quality and presence of EBV DNA. Analysis of EBNA-2 genotyping was done by nested PCR. RESULTS: HIV was the most prevalent infection in 40 transgender sex workers (46.51%) followed by HCV in 15 (17.44%). Among HIV-seropositive TSW’s, EBV genotype determination was only achievable in 60% of cases, where 62.5% were EBV-1, 29.16% of EBV-2 and co-infection was found in 8% samples. Among HIV-negative individuals, 78% were EBV-1, whereas EBV-2 genotype and co-infections were absent. All non-typable samples were amplifiable for the EBNA-1 gene in both populations, confirming EBV genome in the samples. CONCLUSION: EBV-1 was the most common genotype of EBV in HIV seropositive and seronegative TSW’s but the high occurrence of EBV-2 and co-infection of both types was observed only in HIV seropositive individuals. This is the first report of frequency of EBV infections in the HIV-positive transgender community of Pakistan. DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.