Sexually transmitted infections and reproductive tract infections in female sex workers

• Published in: Indian journal of pathology & microbiology Vol. 52; no. 2; pp. 198 - 199
• Main Authors: Shethwala, Nimisha D, Mulla, Summaiya A, Kosambiya, J K, Desai, Vikas K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01.04.2009; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Candidiasis - epidemiology; Causes of; Comorbidity; Diagnosis; Endometrium - microbiology; Endometrium - parasitology; Female; Genitalia, Female - microbiology; Genitalia, Female - parasitology; Gonorrhea - epidemiology; Health aspects; Hepatitis B - epidemiology; HIV; HIV Infections - epidemiology; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; India - epidemiology; Infections; Medical tests; Serum - immunology; Sex Work; sex workers; Sexually transmitted diseases; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - epidemiology; STD; Syphilis - epidemiology; Treponema pallidum; Trichomonas Infections - epidemiology; Trichomonas vaginalis; Vagina - microbiology; Vagina - parasitology; Vaginosis, Bacterial - epidemiology; Women; India
• ISSN: 0377-4929; 0974-5130
• DOI: 10.4103/0377-4929.48916

The present study was conducted in 300 female sex workers (FSWs) from Surat city in 2005-2006. Vaginal swabs, endocervical swabs and serum samples were collected from each of these FSWs. Vaginal samples were screened for bacterial vaginosis (BV), candidiasis and Trichomonas vaginalis . Endocervical swabs were screened for gonococcal infection. Serological tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and syphilis were performed. From a total of 300 FSWs, BV was detected in 40 (13.33%), trichomoniasis in six (2%), candidiasis in 31 (10.33%), HIV seropositivity in 35 (11.66%), HBsAg reactivity in 10 (3.33%) and rapid plasma regain (RPR) reactivity in 20 (6.66%) cases. RPR-positive serum samples were confirmed by the treponema pallidum hemaglutination test. Gonococcal infection was not found in any of the FSWs. Of the total of 35 HIV-positive patients, 20 patients had associated coinfection. Of the 35 HIV-seropositive FSWs, BV was detected in six (17.14%), candidiasis in six (17.14%), syphilis in five (14.28%) and HBsAg in two (5.71%). One (2.85%) HIV-positive FSW was positive for both candidiasis and syphilis.