Chlamydial infection in female prostitutes in Singapore
Lim, K.B.; Srivasin, V.; Gan, S.L.; Thirumoorthy, T.; Nadarajah, M.; Sng, E.H.; Yuen, W.S.
Singapore Medical Journal 30(3): 263-264
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-5675 PMID: 2588018 Document Number: 345548
Studies conducted in 1982, 1985, and 1988 among female prostitutes in Singapore documented the need for a chlamydial control program in this population. In the 1982 study, which included 115 prostitutes infected with gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis was recovered from 8%. In 1985 and 1988, the prevalence of endocervical chlamydia infection in prostitutes presenting for routine testing was 12% and 9%, respectively. The prevalence of gonorrhea in 1985 and 1988 was 10% and 11%, respectively. In the 1988 study, 1 of the 11 prostitutes with gonorrhea also harbored chlamydia. The prevalence of syphilis, ascertained only in the 1988 study, was 3%. These findings suggest that 8-9% of prostitutes with gonorrhea are co-infected with chlamydia. At present, prostitutes in Singapore are screened only for gonorrhea and syphilis. The high rate of C trachomatis infection recorded in this study indicates that chlamydia infection--on the increase in the West--should be added to this list. In addition, health education efforts are needed to stress the need for additional anti-chlamydial treatment. Currently utilized regimens for the treatment of gonorrhea are ineffective against C trachomatis.