OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) in female sex workers (FSW) in Tunisia. METHODS: 188 prostitutes from three Tunisian towns were enrolled at their weekly medical visit. Demographic and sexual behaviour data were collected. C trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) and human papillomavirus (HPV) were detected by PCR. Blood samples were tested for the presence of HIV, hepatitis B core, hepatitis C virus (HCV), HSV-2, C trachomatis and syphilis antibodies and Hbs antigen. RESULTS: The mean age of the FSW was 34 years. They had worked in the sex industry for 6.6 years on average. Nearly all FSW (98.9%) had at least one marker of STI. A current infection was found in 86.7% of cases. Only one STI was noted in 37.2% and two or more in 49.5% of FSW. C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae, HPV and HSV-2 PCR were positive in 72.9%, 11.2%, 44.1% and 1.1% of cases, respectively. Syphilis, HCV antibodies and Hbs antigen were detected in poor percentages, 2.7%, 1.1% and 0.5% of cases, respectively. No case of HIV infection was noted. No epidemiological or clinical factors were associated with STI. Only disturbed bacterial vaginal flora was found to be associated with C trachomatis infection. CONCLUSION: In this study, a high rate of C trachomatis infection was observed. The detection of this microorganism should be introduced in systematic surveillance of Tunisian FSW.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) in female sex workers (FSW) in Tunisia. METHODS: 188 prostitutes from three Tunisian towns were enrolled at their weekly medical visit. Demographic and sexual behaviour data were collected. C trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) and human papillomavirus (HPV) were detected by PCR. Blood samples were tested for the presence of HIV, hepatitis B core, hepatitis C virus (HCV), HSV-2, C trachomatis and syphilis antibodies and Hbs antigen. RESULTS: The mean age of the FSW was 34 years. They had worked in the sex industry for 6.6 years on average. Nearly all FSW (98.9%) had at least one marker of STI. A current infection was found in 86.7% of cases. Only one STI was noted in 37.2% and two or more in 49.5% of FSW. C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae, HPV and HSV-2 PCR were positive in 72.9%, 11.2%, 44.1% and 1.1% of cases, respectively. Syphilis, HCV antibodies and Hbs antigen were detected in poor percentages, 2.7%, 1.1% and 0.5% of cases, respectively. No case of HIV infection was noted. No epidemiological or clinical factors were associated with STI. Only disturbed bacterial vaginal flora was found to be associated with C trachomatis infection. CONCLUSION: In this study, a high rate of C trachomatis infection was observed. The detection of this microorganism should be introduced in systematic surveillance of Tunisian FSW.
Authors: Ju Nyeong Park; Charlotte A Gaydos; Rebecca Hamilton White; Michele R Decker; Katherine H A Footer; Noya Galai; Bradley E Silberzahn; Katelyn Riegger; Miles Morris; Steve S Huettner; Sean T Allen; Susan G Sherman Journal: Sex Transm Dis Date: 2019-12 Impact factor: 2.830
Authors: Anna R Giuliano; Matthys H Botha; Michele Zeier; Martha E Abrahamsen; Richard H Glashoff; Louvina E van der Laan; Mary Papenfuss; Susan Engelbrecht; Maarten F Schim van der Loeff; Staci L Sudenga; Benji N Torres; Siegfried Kipping; Douglas Taylor Journal: J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Date: 2015-02-01 Impact factor: 3.731