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

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2006 Feb;74(2):233-8.

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have shown to enhance the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to be more common among female commercial sex workers (FSWs). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 625 FSWs in six cities of Argentina in 2000-2002. The seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I/II, and syphilis was 3.2%, 14.4%, 4.3%, 1.6%, and 45.7%, respectively. Syphilis was associated with older age (>/= 30 years, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.6 to 4.9), >/= 10 years in sex work (AOR = 2.2), use of illegal drugs (AOR = 2.1), and a prior history of an STI (AOR = 3.0). HBV and syphilis was the most common co-infection in 44 (7.5%) subjects. FSWs in Argentina are exposed to HIV and other STIs due to high-risk sexual and illegal drug use behavior. Renewed efforts are necessary to intervene effectively in this high-risk population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Argentina / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HIV
  • HIV Infections / blood
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / etiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Hepacivirus
  • Hepatitis B virus
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 2
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sex Work / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / blood
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / etiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Syphilis Serodiagnosis