Declining sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers: the results of an HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention strategy in Honduras, 2006-08

In 2006, we implemented an HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention programme for female sex workers (FSWs) in three Honduran cities. All FSW attending STI clinics underwent regular examinations and STI testing. Information on condom use with different partners was collected at each visit. After three years, we detected a significant decline in the prevalence of syphilis from 2.3% at the first screening to 0.0% at the third screening (P = 0.05), and of chlamydia, from 6.1% to 3.3% (P = 0.01). No changes were observed in the prevalence of gonorrhoea or trichomoniasis. The cumulative HIV prevalence remained constant (P = 0.44). Reports of condom use with clients increased from 93.8% to 98.9% (P < 0.001). The implementation of an HIV/STI prevention programme in FSW has contributed to increases in condom use with clients and the reduction in syphilis and chlamydia prevalence. The intervention should be strengthened and considered as part of a national health policy strategy.     

Model-based evaluation of single-round mass treatment of sexually transmitted diseases for HIV control in a rural African population

OBJECTIVES: To compare the impact of single-round mass treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), sustained syndromic treatment and their combination on the incidence of HIV in rural Africa. METHODS: We studied the effects of STD interventions by stochastic simulation using the model STDSIM. Parameters were fitted using data from a trial of improved STD treatment services in Mwanza, Tanzania. Effectiveness was assessed by comparing the prevalences of gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis and chancroid, and the incidence of HIV, in the general adult population in simulations with and without intervention. RESULTS: Single-round mass treatment was projected to achieve an immediate, substantial reduction in STD prevalences, which would return to baseline levels over 5-10 years. The effect on syphilis was somewhat larger if participants cured of latent syphilis were not immediately susceptible to re-infection. At 80% coverage, the model projected a reduction in cumulative HIV incidence over 2 years of 36%. A similar impact was achieved if treatment of syphilis was excluded from the intervention or confined to those in the infectious stages. In comparison with sustained syndromic treatment, single-round mass treatment had a greater short-term impact on HIV (36 versus 30% over 2 years), but a smaller long-term impact (24 versus 62% over 10 years). Mass treatment combined with improved treatment services led to a rapid and sustained fall in HIV incidence (57% over 2 years; 70% over 10 years). CONCLUSIONS: In populations in which STD control can reduce HIV incidence, mass treatment may, in the short run, have an impact comparable to sustained syndromic treatment. Mass treatment combined with sustained syndromic treatment may be particularly effective.     

Prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and human immunodeficiency virus among women attending prenatal services in Apia, Samoa

There is no routine prenatal screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in pregnancy in Samoa. Testing for chlamydial infection is not available. To gather information on pregnant women, a prevalence survey was conducted in Apia, Samoa, utilizing two prenatal hospital clinics. Pregnant (n=427) women were tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and for syphilis (n=441) by rapid plasmid reagin (RPR) and HIV (n=441) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results were: chlamydia 30.9% (132); trichomoniasis 20.8%; gonorrhoea 3.3%; syphilis 0.5%; and HIV 0%. Overall 42.7% had at least 1 STD. Young women aged <25 years were three times more likely to have a STD than older women (odds ratio=3.0, 95% confidence intervals 2.0, 4.5). The lack of inexpensive, reliable field diagnostics remain a barrier to sustainable STD control programmes for pregnant women living in developing countries.     

Testing rates for sexually transmitted infections among HIV-infected men who have sex with men attending two different HIV services

This study compares the testing rates of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) attending two HIV clinics in Melbourne. Data on STI testing over a 12-month period were obtained for all HIV-positive MSM who attended the clinics between January and March 2006. Screening rates for bacterial STIs were significantly higher at a sexual health clinic (n = 254) compared with an infectious diseases clinic (n = 351), whether this was measured according to: at least one STI test being performed for chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis (69% vs. 38%, P < 0.01); serological testing for syphilis alone (67% vs. 34%, P < 0.01); or 'complete' STI screening for pharyngeal gonorrhoea, urethral chlamydia, anal gonorrhoea, anal chlamydia and syphilis (41% vs. 6%, P < 0.01). Substantial differences in STI testing rates among HIV-positive MSM may exist between HIV clinical services depending on the measures in place that promote STI screening.     

Increase in condom use and decline in HIV and sexually transmitted diseases among female sex workers in Abidjan, C?te d'Ivoire, 1991-1998.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinic- and community-based trends in demographic and behavioral characteristics and clinic-based trends in HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in female sex workers in Abidjan, C?te d'Ivoire. DESIGN: Multiyear cross-sectional study of first-time attenders in Clinique de Confiance, a confidential STD clinic; biannual community-based behavioral surveys. METHODS: From 1992 to 1998, female sex workers were invited to attend Clinique de Confiance, where they were counseled, interviewed, clinically examined during their first visit and tested for STD and HIV infection. Community-based surveys, conducted in 1991, 1993, 1995, and 1997, interviewed women regarding socio-demographic characteristics and HIV/STD-related knowledge, attitudes and behavior. RESULTS: Among female sex workers in Abidjan, there was a trend toward shorter duration of sex work, higher prices, and more condom use. Among sex workers attending Clinique de Confiance for the first time, significant declines were found in the prevalence of HIV infection (from 89 to 32%), gonorrhoea (from 33 to 11%), genital ulcers (from 21 to 4%), and syphilis (from 21 to 2%). In a logistic regression model that controlled for socio-demographic and behavioral changes, the year of screening remained significantly associated with HIV infection. CONCLUSION: The increase in condom use and the decline in prevalence of HIV infection and other STD may well have resulted from the prevention campaign for female sex workers, and such campaigns should therefore be continued, strengthened, and expanded.     

All STDs are not created equal: an analysis of the differential effects of sexual behaviour changes on different STDs

The same sexual behaviours that transmit HIV are implicated in the transmission of certain other STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. Consequently, it is often assumed that preventive methods that are effective against HIV should be equally effective against other STDs. The purpose of this study was to examine this assumption. We applied a mathematical model of HIV/STD transmission to empirical data from a large HIV prevention intervention that stressed sexual behaviour change. We modelled the effects of two behavioural strategies - reducing the number of sex partners and increasing condom use-on the proportionate change in intervention participants' cumulative risk of acquiring HIV or a highly-infectious STD, such as gonorrhoea. The results of this modelling exercise indicate that decreasing the number of partners is a more effective strategy for reducing STD risk than it is for HIV risk. In contrast, condoms are somewhat more effective at reducing the cumulative transmission risk for HIV than for highly infectious STDs. The protection provided by condoms for multiple acts of intercourse critically depends on the infectiousness of the STD. The results of this study suggest caution in extrapolating from one STD to another, or from one behavioural risk reduction strategy to another.     

AIDS and STD knowledge, condom use and HIV/STD infection among female sex workers in Bali, Indonesia

The objectives of this paper were to examine changes in AIDS/STD knowledge and behaviour from 1992-1998, current levels of STD infection and psychosocial and demographic determinants of condom use and STD infection among female sex workers. Data for the study were drawn from cross-sectional surveys of female sex workers conducted in 1992, 1994 and 1997-8. For each survey, women participated in a face-to-face interview in the brothel complexes. Survey questions included information on AIDS/STD knowledge, demographics, sexual history and psychosocial factors related to condom use. After the last survey, women were offered a vaginal exam for STD diagnosis and treatment. Sera were tested for HIV infection (anonymous, Elisa/Western blot) and syphilis (TYPHA, RPR). Cervical mucous was tested for chlamydia (LcX), gonorrhea (LCx), herpes (pcr) and HPV (pcr). Knowledge of AIDS and awareness of STDs has increased tremendously in this population since 1992. Reported condom use has also increased substantially (69.9%). Perceived susceptibility toward HIV infection remains low. Ineffective preventive strategies such as medication use continue to be common. HIV infection remains very low in this population (0.2%), although the prevalence of other STDs such as gonorrhea (60.5%), chlamydia (41.3%) and HPV (37.7%) were very high. STD knowledge and self-efficacy were significantly related to condom use as were the sex workers' perceived susceptibility to STD and HIV infection. Women with a larger number of partners were more likely to be infected with gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV. Women who had come to Bali recently were more likely to be infected with HIV and gonorrhea.     

Co-infection with genital gonorrhoea and genital chlamydia in female sex workers in Yunnan, China

An observational study on prevalence of co-infection with gonorrhoea and chlamydia was conducted among female sex workers (FSWs) in Kunming, China.A total of 505 FSWs participated in the study. All eligible participants gave informed consent. Demographic, behavioural and clinical information of the participants was gathered by direct structured interviews. Tampon swabs were collected to test for Chlamydia trachomatis and Nesseria gonorrhoeae. One-hundred and twenty-four (24.6%) FSWs were co-infected with these two pathogens. Of the 191 FSWs with gonorrhea, 124 (64.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 57.9-71.3%) were co-infected with chlamydia which was significantly higher than the proportion (41.9%, 95% CI = 36.4-47.6%) co-infected with gonorrhoea among 296 FSWs with chlamydia (P < 0.001). Only 47 of 191 (24.6%) FSWs with gonococcal infection and 28 of 124 (22.6%) with co-infection with gonorrhoea and chlamydia reported vaginal discharge.The results of the study justify the recommendation in the national sexually transmitted disease (STD) guidelines that patients infected with gonorrhoea also be treated routinely with an anti-chlamydial regimen. However, a periodic mass treatment may be considered in some circumstances in STD control programmes to rapidly reduce the infections in this population.     

Drug use patterns and infection with sexually transmissible agents among young adults in a high-risk neighbourhood in New York City

Aims To determine relationships between drug use ‘hardness’ (defined in increasing order of hardness as no drug use, marijuana use, non‐injected heroin or cocaine use, crack smoking and injection drug use) and prevalences of several sexually transmissible infections among young adults in a high‐risk neighbourhood. Drug users, particularly injection drug users and crack smokers, may be a core group for some sexually transmitted infections. Design Cross‐sectional survey and assays of young adults from (a) a household probability sample and (b) a targeted sample of youth who have used injected drugs, crack, other cocaine or heroin. Setting Bushwick, an impoverished New York City minority neighbourhood with major drug markets. Participants A total of 363 18–24‐year‐olds from a household probability sample; 165 Bushwick 18–24‐year‐olds who have used injected drugs, crack, other cocaine or heroin. Measurements Drug use by self‐report; serum‐ and urine‐based assays for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and herpes simplex (type 2). Findings Household‐sample prevalences: HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis, 1%; gonorrhoea 3%; chlamydia 5%; past or present hepatitis B infection 8%; herpes simplex (type 2) 18%. In combined household and targeted samples, hepatitis C and HIV were concentrated among drug injectors. Herpes simplex (type 2), syphilis and hepatitis B increased among women with ‘hardest drug ever used’. Conclusions Using ‘harder’ drugs is associated with some but not all of these infections. Prevention efforts should help youth avoid unsafe sex and higher‐risk drugs.     

Symptomatic and asymptomatic chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis in Jamaica: the potential for HIV transmission

To determine the contribution of Chlamydia trachomatis to non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in men attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Jamaica we studied men with NGU (n=339), and control groups including asymptomatic men who were STD contacts (n=61), asymptomatic men who were not STD contacts (n=32) and men with gonococcal urethritis (GU) (n=61). Urethral specimens were examined for C. trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Serological tests for syphilis (STS) and HIV-1 infection were also performed. C. trachomatis accounted for 63% of cases of NGU but high prevalences were also found in asymptomatic STD contacts (59%), asymptomatic STD non-contacts (78%) and men with GU (48%). The prevalence of C. trachomatis in men with GU differed significantly from that in men with NGU and asymptomatic STD non-contacts (P<0.05). C. trachomatis infection in men with NGU was associated with multiple sex partners (71% vs 58%; chi2=4.78; odds ratio (OR)=1.76; P<0.05) and previous history of gonococcal infection (83% vs 42%; chi2=59.8; OR=6.8; P<0.0001). Concomitant infection with HIV-1 occurred in 5.2% of cases of NGU and 50% and 90%, respectively, of the HIV-positive men had chlamydia or reactive STS. As a cost effective strategy in the control of STD and HIV we recommend presumptive treatment for C. trachomatis in men seeking STD treatment in Jamaica.     

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated risk factors among populations of drug abusers.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and risky behaviors among 407 drug abusers in treatment facilities in 1998. Infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and syphilis were detected by testing serum antibody levels; chlamydia and gonorrhea were detected by testing nucleic acid levels in urine. Logistic regression analysis was performed to measure associations. Prevalences of antibodies were as follows: to HSV-2, 44.4%; to HCV, 35.1%; to HBV, 29.5%; to HIV, 2.7%. The prevalence of syphilis was 3.4%; of chlamydia, 3.7%; and of gonorrhea, 1.7%. Of the 407 subjects, approximately 62% had markers for 1 of the STDs. HIV infection was associated with African American race, use of smokable freebase (crack) cocaine, and STD history. HBV infection was associated with age >30 years, injecting drugs, needle sharing, a history of treatment for drug abuse, and African American race. HCV infection was associated with an age >30 years, injecting drugs, and needle sharing, and HSV-2 infection with an age >30 years, female sex, and African American race. Syphilis was associated with a history of STDs. High prevalences of STDs among drug abusers indicate the need for integration of STD screening and treatment into drug treatment programs.     

A rural HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe? Findings from a population-based survey

The aim of the study was to use population-based data from 689 adults to describe the socio-demographic, behavioural and biomedical correlates of HIV infection and aid identification of effective HIV control strategies for rural Zimbabwe. Dried blood spot and urine samples were collected for HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing and participants were interviewed on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour and experience of STD symptoms. HIV seroprevalence was 23.3% and was higher in females, divorcees, widows, working men, estate residents, and respondents reporting histories of STD symptoms. Female HIV seroprevalence rises sharply at ages 16-25. A third of sexually-active adults had experienced STD-associated symptoms but there were delays in seeking treatment. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and Trichomonas vaginalis are more common causes than syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia, and are strongly associated with HIV infection. Local programmes promoting safer sexual behaviour and fast and effective STD treatment among young women, divorcees and working men could reduce the extensive HIV transmission in rural communities.     

Review of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in China

Female sex workers (FSW) are at greater risk for HIV and STIs. A systematic literature review of HIV and STI prevalence and incidence data for FSW in China was conducted to assess current trends. Studies between 1996 and 2010 detailing seroprevalence or incidence data, other laboratory-based tests, and clinical diagnoses of infections among FSW were reviewed. Select articles from Chinese literature around street-based and drug-abusing FSW were also reviewed. Results revealed high median prevalence for a variety of STIs among FSW: active syphilis range 0.8-12.5% (median = 6.9%), herpes range 29.7-70.8% (median = 56.2%), chlamydia range 3.9-58.6% (median = 25.7%), gonorrhea range 2.0-85.4% (median = 16.4%), and trichomoniasis range 7.1-43.2% (median = 12.5%). HIV prevalence has remained relatively low and stable with a range of 0-10.3% (median = 0.6%), with the exception of higher prevalence in several areas of Yunnan and some areas of Guangxi. The FSW who are injecting drug users may be at even greater risk for HIV infection with 12-49% found to be HIV positive and 7-25% self-reporting positive status. A number of gaps in the literature remain, especially in the number of studies that detail prevalence confirmed by laboratory testing or that collect incidence data. Assessment of incidence and prevalence according to sampling methodology appropriate for the population, behavioral risks such as injecting drug use, and diverse venues especially those at the lower end are needed. Theory-based interventions to reduce the incidence and prevalence of HIV/STIs need to be piloted with successful models scaled-up.     

Test Not Talk screening for asymptomatic men

This audit reviews the first year's experience within a rapid comprehensive sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV screening for asymptomatic men in a small-integrated sexual health clinic in outer London. Men requesting STI/HIV screening only were offered symptom self-assessment, blood tests for syphilis and HIV, and first void urine tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Of 468 available appointments, 337 were made (72%) and 303 were kept (80%). Of the 303 attendances, 264 (87%) were first-ever attendances. Of the 303 men seen, 295 (97.4%) underwent chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing, while 246 (80.9%) were tested for syphilis and HIV. No new HIV diagnoses were made. One patient was diagnosed with late latent syphilis and one had asymptomatic gonorrhoea, while 20 (6.6%) diagnoses of chlamydia were made. We believe that Test Not Talk clinics offer a good approach to rapid screening of asymptomatic men and to meet their sexual health needs.     

Prevalence and risk factors of STDs in rural Haiti: implications for policy and programming in resource-poor settings

The goals of the current study are to: (1) estimate the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among women accessing services at a women's health clinic in rural Haiti; and (2) identify risk factors for STDs in this setting. The design is a case control study, comparing risk factors for women who demonstrated positive laboratory results for chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea to women who tested negative for both of these pathogens. The strongest risk factors for chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea were largely economic variables, with work as a domestic servant increasing the risk by four-fold. Working as a market vendor reduced a woman's risk of having an STD by approximately 45%. Given that economic factors are strongly associated with STD risk in this context, one potential mechanism for reducing the risk of STDs, including HIV, would involve increasing economic opportunities for women in rural Haiti.     

High prevalence of syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases among sex workers in China: potential for fast spread of HIV

OBJECTIVES: In China, in the early 1980s, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) started to increase steeply. Sex workers and their clients appeared to play an important role in the spread of STD. Prostitution is illegal in China, and therefore no specific services exist for sex workers unless they are arrested and detained in re-education centres. Staff of a maternal and neonatal hospital in Guangzhou felt the need for an STD care and prevention programme for sex workers outside detention, and started a programme within their hospital, which was unique in the Chinese context. METHODS: From March 1998 to mid-October 1999 sex workers were recruited through various outreach methods, and were interviewed, counselled and examined for the presence of STD/HIV. RESULTS: A total of 966 women, originating from all over China but working in Guangzhou, entered the programme. The median duration of prostitution was one year, and the median number of clients was seven per week. Antibodies to HIV were present in 1.4%. The prevalence of STD was very high: syphilis 14%, Chlamydia trachomatis 32%, gonorrhoea 8% and trichomoniasis 12.5%. Knowledge about STD/HIV transmission and condom use was poor. CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence of STD, the potential for the further spread of HIV is clearly present. STD care and prevention programmes for these women, outside detention, are urgently needed, and appear also to be feasible in China.     

Sexually transmitted disease symptom management behaviours among female sex workers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess prevalence and correlates of self-treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among female sex workers (FSW) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Enrolled FSW completed a self-administered questionnaire, HIV serologic testing and optional pelvic examination. STD diagnosis was based on physical examination and/or microscopic findings. Of 448 women, 337 (75.0%) accepted examination; of these, 316 (93.8%) received at least one STD-related diagnosis. Nearly half (45.4%) reported prior STD self-treatment, which was associated with HIV infection (age-adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.45-7.53) and condom knowledge (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.16-3.80). For those with history of STD, immediate resumption of sex work before completing treatment was common (87.0%). STD self-treatment is common among FSW in Tashkent, particularly women with HIV infection. Confidential venues for STD care and condom utilization programmes targeted to FSW and their clients are needed to prevent STD in this setting.     

STD screening among HIV-infected patients in care, San Francisco

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons as a means of HIV prevention. HIV-infected persons in care may be an important target group in which to conduct regular STD screening to prevent enhanced transmission of HIV. We conducted STD screening for syphilis and two causes of urethritis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, among 447 HIV-infected persons at two busy, urban clinics in San Francisco: a general HIV acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) care clinic and a methadone maintenance clinic. There were no new cases of syphilis identified and only two prevalent cases of chlamydia. While STD screening was feasible and acceptable in this population, the benefits of screening for asymptomatic gonococcal and chlamydial infection remain to be determined. Because these two pathogens only cause about 20% of urethritis, broader screening tests for urethritis, e.g., leukocyte esterase or urine microscopy, may be more useful. Finally, this study reaffirms the notion that local data should be used to evaluate national screening recommendations.     

Completing the circle: follow-up screening of STD patients in three clinics of the United States Indian Health Service

We reviewed charts of newly diagnosed STD patients in three health facilities to determine the proportion who received follow-up STD screening. In a 12-month period, the three facilities had 140 STD cases. STD screening was not indicated for 50 (36%) patients. Among the 90 remaining STD patients, 29 (32%) were screened and 61 (68%) not screened. Among non-screened patients, 36% (22/61) were tested, but outside the time parameters allowed by the audit. The remaining 64% (39/61) received no screening at all, and represented clinical missed opportunities; in this group, nearly all (95%) had chlamydia but were not screened for HIV or syphilis. Linking chlamydia patients with a screen for HIV and syphilis using a clinical reminder in the facilities' electronic health record (EHR) or other tool, would eliminate 95% of the missed opportunities in this sample.     

Higher risk behaviour and rates of sexually transmitted diseases in Mwanza compared to Uganda may help explain HIV prevention trial outcomes

OBJECTIVE: To determine to what extent the higher impact of treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) on HIV incidence in Mwanza, Tanzania than in Rakai and Masaka, Uganda might be explained by baseline differences between the trial populations. DESIGN: A re-analysis of baseline data from the three trial populations comparing demography, sexual risk behaviour and HIV/STD epidemiology. METHODS: Data were compared after age-standardization and adjustments for sample selection where necessary. STD rates were also adjusted for the sensitivities and specificities of the diagnostic techniques used. RESULTS: Demographic patterns were similar across populations, apart from effects of AIDS on fertility and mortality (including widowhood) in Uganda. Higher sexual risk behaviours, including younger age of sexual debut, higher numbers of recent partners and lower frequency of condom use, were apparent in Mwanza compared to Masaka and Rakai. High-titre serological syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia infection and trichomoniasis were all more prevalent in Mwanza, except for chlamydia infection in males. There was little difference between sites in the seroprevalence of Herpes simplex virus type-2. Age patterns in the prevalence of short-duration STD and current risk behaviours were similar across sites but all-titre serological syphilis was more prevalent among older participants in Rakai and Masaka than Mwanza. CONCLUSIONS: Differences between trial populations included higher reported risk behaviour and higher rates of curable STD in Mwanza compared to Rakai and Masaka. These differences probably relate to previous reductions in risk behaviour in Uganda and may explain, at least in part, the contrasting results of these trials.