HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis prevalence and coinfection among sex workers in Southern Brazil

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2013 Jul-Aug;46(4):493-7. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-1364-2013.

Abstract

Introduction: Sex workers (SWs) are vulnerable to HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis coinfection.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tubarão, Laguna, and Imbituba, Southern Brazil. We surveyed 147 SWs using face-to-face interviews and blood sampling for serological evaluation.

Results: Prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) was 23.1%, syphilis 19.7%, hepatitis C (HCV) 8.8%, and HIV 8.8%. Of 13 HIV-infected patients, 3 were co-infected with HCV, 4 with syphilis, and 5 with HBV.

Conclusions: SWs had high HIV infection rates, and coinfection with viral hepatitis and syphilis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Coinfection / epidemiology*
  • Coinfection / microbiology
  • Coinfection / virology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Workers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Syphilis / epidemiology*
  • Young Adult