Characteristics related to STD/HIV in men working in Mexico City bars where female prostitution takes place
Uribe-Salas, F.; Hernández-Girón, C.; Conde-González, C.; Cruz-Valdez, A.; Juárez-Figueroa, L.; Hernández-Avila, M.
Salud Publica de Mexico 37(5): 385-393
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-3634 PMID: 8600553 Document Number: 296042
This research work intended to describe the characteristics and the seroprevalence of some sexually transmitted diseases (STD), in men working in bars where female commercial sex takes place. The study included an evaluation of 171 males during 1993, who were employed in bars and who were potentially at risk of contact with female commercial sex workers (FCSW). A structured survey was conducted in order to collect information about social, demographic and sexual behavior characteristics. Blood samples were also obtained to test for antibodies against Treponema pallidum (RPR/FTA-ABS), human immunodeficiency virus (VIH) (ELISA, Western blot), Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) (Western blot) and the core antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBV) (ELISA). Test results showed low infection rates of HIV, T: pallidum and HBV: 0%, 2.4% and 1.8%, respectively. However, their HSV-2 infection proportion (32.4%) was considered intermediate in comparison to the prevalence of FCSW from bars (55.5%), to that found in heterosexual men (14.6%), and to proportions found in women general population (29.3% and 17.9%). The men's age and a history of sexual intercourse with FCSW were strong predictors of HSV-2 infection. These findings evidence a relationship between men working in bars and FCSW in terms of STD transmission and show the need for preventive care directed to this group.