Fernandes ME, Reingold A, Hearst N, Inglesi EA, Hughes V, Lima VC, Padian N, Fini IG; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24; 8: C276 (abstract no. PoC 4190).
Sao Paulo State Department of Health, Brazil.
INTRODUCTION: This survey was performed from November 90 to August 91 among 600 female commercial sex workers (CSW) to determine the prevalence of HIV 1, HIV 2, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and factors associated with seropositivity in 3 large urban areas: Sao Paulo, Caspinas and Santos with high rates of AIDS in the State of Sao Paulo. METHODS: 600 CSW were recruited from brothels, bars, night clubs, houses of prostitution and social clubs. The survey sample was stratified according to location and income. (100 high income and 100 low income). After verbal consent participants were interviewed using detailed standardized questionnaires that collected demographic information and medical history including: STD, pregnancy, use of contraceptives, use of injecting drugs, detailed sexual practices and Knowledge on AIDS. Blood samples were tested for HIV 1 and 2 using specific Elisa and Western Blot for each; Syphilis (V.D.R.L./FTA-ABS) and Hepatitis B (Hbsag-Anti Hbsag). Data were collected regarding the number of CSW who refused to participate. More than 1000 wanted to participate but were not included. All participates received pre and post test counselling. RESULTS: Analysis was limited to participates whose serum samples were tested HIV 1 and 2 positives. OF 600 CSW tested, 65 11% were positive for HIV 1, 35 6% were positive for both HIV 1 and 2. None were positive for HIV 2 alone. 269 45% were positive for Syphilis and 39% were Anti-Hbsag positive. Of 300 low income CSW: 43 14% were positive for HIV 1, 29 10% were positive for both HIV 1 and 2; 196 66% were positive for Syphilis; 157 52% were Anti-Hbsag positive. Of 300 high income CSW 12 2% were HIV 1 positive; 6 1% were positive for both HIV 1 and 2; 71 24% were positive for Syphilis and 136 45% were Anti-Hbsag positive. Of The 65 HIV 1 positive subjects 74% drink alcohol during sexual activities and 42% report the use of injecting drugs in the past 5 years. Analysis of sexual practices demonstrate that 32% don't use condoms with clients and 69% don't use condoms with their boyfriends during vaginal sex. CONCLUSION: HIV 1 prevalence is high in this population and HIV 2 also appears to be present, though viral isolation will be necessary to confirm them. Syphilis prevalence in this population is very high and better treatment and follow up of STDs is urgent. Interventions are urgently needed to protect these women and their clients from further spread of HIV.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- AIDS Vaccines
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Brazil
- Condoms
- Female
- HIV
- HIV Antibodies
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- HIV Seroprevalence
- HIV-1
- HIV-2
- Hepatitis B
- Humans
- Pregnancy
- Prevalence
- Prostitution
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Syphilis
- Syphilis Serodiagnosis
Other ID:
UI: 102199614
From Meeting Abstracts