Prevalence of HIV-1and other sexually-transmitted infections among female commercial sex workers in Argentina

PANDO M; BERINI C; BIBINI M; FERNANDEZ M; REYNAGA E; MAULEN S; MARONE R; BIGLIONE M; SANCHEZ J; MONTNO S; BAUTISTA C; WEISSENBACHER M; AVILA M

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE

AMER SOC TROP MED & HYGIENE

Año: 2006 vol. 74 p. 233 - 238

0002-9637

Background.  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually-transmitted infections (STI) can be quite prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). We examined the prevalence and risk factors for HIV and other STI in this group in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Methods.  A cross-sectional study of 694 MSM was conducted in 2000-01. HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), human T-cell lymphotropic (HTLV-I/II) viruses and Treponema pallidum infection were diagnosis with commercial kits. Results.  HIV, HBV and T. pallidum were detected in 13.8%, 37.7% and 16.9% of subjects, respectively. Prevalences of 1.9% and 0.3% were detected for HCV and HTLV-I/II. History of STI was the most predictor identified with HIV, HBV and T. pallidum. Use of illegal drug, blood transfusion history and multiple sexual partners were associated with HCV. The most common co-infections were HBV/T. pallidum and HIV/HBV.Conclusions.  Infection with HIV, HBV and T. pallidum were elevated among MSM. Routine testing, as well as education, vaccine-based prevention and control programs urge to be implemented in order to reduce the threat of infection with these agents in this population.