Interactions of HIV and STDs in a group of female prostitutes
Kraiselburd, E.N.; Gadea, C.; Torres-bauza, L.J.
Archives of Aids Research 3(1-3): 149-157
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0899-4811 PMID: 12342195 Document Number: 340791
Incidence of HIV and of several other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) was determined in 171 female prostitutes from 3 sites in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The sites were selected by high incidence of penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae in clients of prostitutes. These women came from about a dozen different countries, mostly Latin American. 14% reported they always used condoms. Specimens were taken of blood, endocervix, cervix, rectum and oropharynx, and tested for HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, hepatitis B and cytomegalovirus. 18% harbored gonorrhea, of which 13% were penicillinase positive. Syphilis occurred in 8%. Chlamydia was the most prevalent infection, in 47% of subjects. Serological evidence of hepatitis B was apparent in 53%, and of cytomegalovirus in 99%. HIV status was tested after unlinking identifying information from 80 serum samples, and 16% were confirmed HIV positive. Women from the site frequented by more street walkers than bar girls had a higher incidence of hepatitis B, and were known to be more frequent users of IV drugs. These data confirm observations made elsewhere that HIV infection may coexist with other STDs.