Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among sexually active Jordanian females

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of the most important sexually transmitted infections among women of child bearing age in Jordan. GOAL: To assess the need for screening programs to detect sexually transmitted infections. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study wherein consecutive symptomatic and asymptomatic women presenting to gynecology and family planning clinics from different areas in Jordan were tested for reproductive tract infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, and Trichomonas vaginalis. RESULTS: The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 0.6% and 0.5%, among symptomatic and asymptomatic women respectively, that of N. gonorrhoeae was 0.9% and 2.2%, that of T. pallidum 0.0% and 0.0%, and that of Tr. vaginalis was 0.7% and 0.5%. These prevalence rates did not differ significantly between symptomatic and asymptomatic women. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the low prevalence of sexually transmitted infections detected in this study among Jordanian women, the need for screening programs for such infections is questioned.     

Marital violence and sexually transmitted infections among women in post-revolution Egypt

ObjectivesTo explore the relationship between past year physical or sexual partner violence against women and women’s self-report of sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms in post-revolution Egypt; and to examine the effects of men’s and women’s risky sexual behavioural characteristics and structural dimensions of poverty and gender inequality on this relationship.Study designThis study uses the nationally representative cross-sectional demographic and health survey data conducted in 2014. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between past year partner violence and self-report of STI symptoms among currently married women.Main outcome measureswomen’s self-report of STI was based on their responses to three questions; whether in the past year they had: got a disease through sexual contact?, a genital sore or ulcer?, or a bad smelling abnormal genital discharge? Women who gave an affirmative response to one or more of these questions were assumed to self-report STI.ResultsAlmost one-third of women self-reported symptoms of STI. Fourteen percent of women reported they had experienced physical or sexual violence by a male partner in the past 12 months. Abused women had a 2.76 times higher odds of self-reported STI symptoms (95% CI 2.25–3.38). The significant relationship between self-reported STI and past year partner violence against women did not alter when adjusting for men’s and women’s behavioural characteristics and factors related to poverty and gender inequality.ConclusionsPublic health interventions that address women’s sexual and reproductive health need to consider violence response and prevention strategies.     

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in female sex workers in Athens, Greece - 2005

There is little data on the prevalence of STIs in female sex workers, Greek and immigrants, working in Athens, Greece, since most of them work without any form of official license. Our aim was to establish the prevalence of STIs in asymptomatic legal Greek and immigrant female sex workers in Athens, Greece. The study involved an evaluation of gonococcal and chlamydial infection, early infectious syphilis, HIV infection, HSV-2 infection, Hepatitis B and C in 299 female sex workers who applied for an official work permit between May 2005 and October 2005. HSV-2 infection was more common in the Greek sex workers. No difference was found for the other STIs. Prevalence was related to age. A significant association was found between HSV-2 and syphilis. No HIV infection was detected. We concluded that asymptomatic sex workers can be a source of STIs which points out the need for a better health system control in Greece.     

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among clients of female commercial sex workers in Thailand

BACKGROUND: Clients of commercial sex workers are considered at high risk for the acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Identification and treatment of infections in this group could help to reduce the transmission of STDs. GOAL: To ascertain the prevalence of sexually transmitted organisms in male clients of female sex workers in Thailand by analysis of seminal fluid collected after intercourse. STUDY DESIGN: Used condoms were collected from 291 male clients attending a brothel in Hat Yai, Thailand during a 7-day period. Nucleic acid was extracted from seminal fluid and tested by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, herpes simplex virus (HSV) and HIV sequences. RESULTS: Overall, 17 (6%), 47 (16%), and 2 (1%) of specimens were positive for C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae and T vaginalis respectively. HSV sequences were found in 24 (8%) of the specimens: 14 specimens (5%) with HSV type 1, and 11 specimens (4%) with HSV type 2. HIV RNA was detected in two samples (1%). Overall, 75 specimens (26%) were positive for one or more infections, and more than one pathogen was detected in 16 specimens (5%). CONCLUSION: This study reports a high rate of STDs among clients of female sex workers in Thailand. Consequently, this population is a significant risk for transmitting STDs to commercial sex workers and to other noncommercial partners. Strategies that target this population of men are needed to reduce STD and HIV transmission.     

Sexual behavior among adolescent women at high risk for sexually transmitted infections

BACKGROUND: The temporal pattern of partners and sexual encounters may be key factors in the acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Behavior among adolescent women is of particular interest because they frequently have the highest prevalence and incidence of infection. GOAL: To examine coital diary data collected during a 7-month longitudinal study of young women at high risk of STDs and to describe their sexual behaviors, with particular attention to issues of partner sequence and overlap. STUDY DESIGN: A 7-month longitudinal study of young women infected with or having a sexual contact infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, or Trichomonas vaginalis attending the STD clinic or one of four neighborhood adolescent health clinics. Data were collected at enrollment and at 1, 3, 5, and 7-month follow-up visits. Coital diaries were kept between visits. RESULTS: The average frequency of coital events was 0.94 per week. The median number of sexual partners during the follow-up period was one, and overlapping of partnerships was an uncommon occurrence. The number of days between the last coital event of a current relationship and the first encounter of a new relationship differed for those choosing a new partner (mean, 20.6 days) and those who returned to a previous partner (mean, 7.9 days; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although at high risk for STDs, high-risk behavior was not common among the study population. Partner choice and the behavior of these partners may be more important elements than personal high-risk behavior in accounting for the high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among inner-city adolescent women.     

Prevalence of sexually transmitted pathogens among women attending a methadone clinic in Israel.

OBJECTIVE--To assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted pathogens in drug-addicted women in Tel Aviv, Israel. DESIGN--A prospective study conducted between March and July 1987. SETTING--A methadone clinic in Tel Aviv, Israel. SUBJECTS--Sixty four asymptomatic female drug addicts were studied; 38 of them were declared practising prostitutes. METHODS--Cervical specimens were obtained for cultures, and blood samples were drawn for serological tests. Demographic data and sexual histories were obtained using a standard questionnaire. RESULTS--Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in the cervix of 25% of women; 98% had antibody titres (greater than 1:64). Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum were isolated in 57% and 65% respectively. Gardnerella vaginalis was detected in 17% of women, and herpes simplex virus was cultured from two prostitutes. Five per cent of women were carriers of HBsAg, while 57% had HBSs and/or HBc antibodies. Only one prostitute had specific treponemal antibodies. In no case were gonococci or group B streptococci isolated, and HIV serology was invariably negative. CONCLUSION--Chlamydia and genital mycoplasmas appear to be the prevailing pathogens in Israeli drug-addicted women, while gonococci and Treponema pallidum occur only rarely.     

计划生育门诊人工流产妇女生殖道感染流行状况及危险因素分析

目的：确定计划生育门诊人工流产妇女生殖道感染的流行状态及其危险因素,以建立简便筛查方法和预防治疗措施。方法：为横断面研究。在研究期内,对所有到两家计划生育门诊做人工流产的妇女进行体检和问卷调查,并取阴道和宫颈管标本进行病原体检测。同时取静脉血做梅毒血清和HIV检测。对危险因素应用单变量和逻辑回归方程进行多变量分析。结果：在2020名人工流产妇女的检测中,衣原体感染率为4．8％,淋球菌0．4％,阴道毛滴虫2．5％,细菌性阴道病3．4％,白念珠菌病6．5％,累计梅毒流行率为1％(TPPA阳性者),1例妇女HIV抗体阳性。虽然在多变量分析中发现一些与感染相关的危险因素,但阳性预测值较差。结论：人工流产妇女可作为性传播感染的干预人群,特别是衣原体感染。但由于多数感染妇女为无症状者,且无法建立选择性筛查标准,因此,必须探讨其它方法以检测该人群中生殖道性传播感染者。     

Prevalence of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections among high-risk patients attending a free anonymous HIV-screening center

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among patients attending an anonymous HIV Screening Center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was performed in the HIV Screening Center of University hospital in Reims (France) from May 1997 to December 1997. The inclusion criteria were the asymptomatic clinical presentation and the presence of risk factors for sexually transmitted infections referring to WHO criteria. The methods included clinical examination after application of acetic acid and urethral and endocervical swabs to identify:Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis in specific culture. Treponema pallidum and HIV-1 infection were both detected by Enzym Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). RESULTS: One hundred and one patients (62 men and 39 women) were included in the study. Their mean age was 27 +/- 4 Years. Risk factors for sexually transmitted infections were: multiple sexual partners 81 p. 100; homo or bisexuality 16 p. 100; intravenous drug use 3 p. 100. The sexually transmitted infections were: HIV-1 infection 1 p. 100;Ureaplasma urealyticum 25 p. 100; genital warts 5 p. 100;Chlamydia trachomatis 3 p. 100; Gardnerella vaginalis 3 p. 100; Mycoplasma hominis 2 p. 100; Treponema pallidum 0 p. 100; Neisseria gonorrhoeae 0 p. 100; Trichomonas vaginalis 0 p. 100. The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections was significantly higher among women (p<0.05). DISCUSSION: Classical sexually transmitted infections and HIV infection were rarely detected in this study; but prevalence of other sexually transmitted infections (genital warts, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum) was high. Ureaplasma urealyticum is considered as a possible pathogenic agent in pregnant women (preterm delivery, decrease of birth weight, chorioamniotitis). These results suggest that other than sexually transmitted infections in high risk patients attending a HIV Screening Center other sexually transmitted infections should also be systematically screened for.     

Adolescent women underestimate their susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections

OBJECTIVES: Adolescent females are at significant risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and may not accurately incorporate indicators of risk into their perceptions of susceptibility. The objectives of the current analyses were to: (1) examine the relation between perceived susceptibility and indicators of risk; and (2) investigate the relation between perceived susceptibility and actual STI diagnosis. METHODS: Participants were 209 sexually active adolescent females. Indicators of STI risk included STI history, recent symptoms, and sexual risk behaviour (that is, recent unprotected sex and numbers of sexual partners). Chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months post-baseline using urine based ligase chain reaction testing. RESULTS: Most participants perceived little or no chance that they would be diagnosed with an STI in the following year. There was no relation between almost all STI indicators and perceptions of susceptibility. Among those receiving a positive chlamydia or gonorrhoea test (n=49) at baseline or in the year following, almost all (81.3%) had perceived themselves to be at little or no risk. CONCLUSION: The adolescent females in this sample did not accurately perceive their susceptibility to STI. They must be enabled to more effectively assess and modify their risk.     

Reported sexually transmitted infections in Swedish Internet-using men and women

Although the Internet has become a forum for making sexual contacts, and has been associated with increased sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission, we have little information of history of STIs in Internet‐based samples. The Internet behaviours that are associated with STI acquisition are poorly understood. We analysed STI histories reported by 904 Swedish men and 931 Swedish women who responded to an Internet‐based survey on sexual behaviour in 2002: 16.6% of men and 22.5% of women reported a lifetime history of STIs, with Chlamydia being the most common for both genders. 3% of men and 5% of women who reported an STI, indicated that they had had more than one. Sources of the STI, where known, were Internet‐acquired partners in only 3% of cases. There were no differences between men and women with or without an STI history regarding the kind of online sexual activities they engaged in, how they found sexual material online, and the reasons they engage in sexual activities. These rates are similar to those reported in a national random study of sexuality in Sweden. Contrary to prior research, these results suggest no relationship between STI and specific Internet characteristics usage patterns. These data suggest that the Internet is not yet a major source of STIs in Swedish men and women. Given these STI histories, the Internet may be a useful medium to include in STI prevention efforts.     

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and high-risk sexual behaviors in heterosexual couples attending sexually transmitted disease clinics in Peru

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted infection (STIs) in heterosexual couples and the sexual behaviors associated with their acquisition. GOAL: The goal of this study was to better direct educational efforts to decrease STI among heterosexual couples in Lima, Peru. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a case-control study in 195 heterosexual couples without HIV infection who attended 2 sexually transmitted disease clinics in Lima, Peru. A case was defined as an individual with one or more newly diagnosed STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, herpes simplex, syphilis, mycoplasma, or ureaplasma. RESULTS: Thirty-three percent of individuals (41 men and 89 women) had at least one STI and 26 couples (13%) had the same STI detected. Men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for 13% of all men, had higher rate of STIs and higher risk behaviors than non-MSM. Ureaplasma infection was the most prevalent STI found in both men and women and was associated with oral sexual contact. In heterosexual pairs, condom use during anal sex occurred less than 10% of the time. CONCLUSIONS: The heterosexual couples in sexually transmitted disease clinics have high-risk behaviors and STIs are frequent. The educational effort concerning prevention of STIs requires higher effort.     

Prevalence of sexually transmitted disease infection in women alleging rape.

During a 2-year period ending in October, 1989, 110 women who claimed to have been raped were treated at the sexually transmitted disease clinic at Birmingham General Hospital. A total of 22 sexually transmitted infections were found in 14 (13%) women, of which Chlamydia trachomatis (in 8%) and Trichomonas vaginalis (in 6%) were the most frequently found pathogens. In none of these patients was it possible to determine whether infection resulted from rape or from voluntary intercourse with another person. The high prevalence of infection found in this study and in previous studies indicates that all women alleging rape should be investigated at a sexually transmitted disease clinic.     

Sexually transmitted infections and other health conditions of women entering prison in Georgia, 1998-1999

OBJECTIVES: To assess health needs of women entering the Georgia prison system, prevalence of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections was estimated. STUDY: Results of admission screening tests of women entering the Georgia prison system in 1998 to 1999 were abstracted retrospectively from prison records. RESULTS: Of 3636 women whose data were abstracted from prison records, 4.3% were pregnant and 8.2%, 4.0%, 5.9%, and 0.7%, respectively, had positive screening tests for trichomoniasis, HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea; 19.5% had at least 1 of those conditions. HIV prevalence was higher among inmates who were black or had a rapid plasma reagin test for syphilis reactive at > or =1:8 dilutions (6.0%, 15.8%, respectively) than others (1.3%, 3.7%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Inmates in this study had high rates of sexually transmitted infections and many were pregnant. Black inmates were at higher risk for HIV and high rapid plasma reagin titers than white inmates or other routinely tested Georgia female populations.     

HIV, the clustering of sexually transmitted infections, and sex risk among African American women who use drugs

African American women have high rates of most sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. STIs have been associated with increased HIV transmission risk. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-eight black women who used drugs completed a structured questionnaire in a central Brooklyn, NY-based research center between March 2003 and August 2005. Women were screened for HIV, herpes simplex virus-2, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. This analysis determined if STIs cluster within individuals and if clustering and sex practices or partnerships differ by HIV status. RESULTS: Thirty-eight (17%) women tested HIV seropositive and STI prevalence was herpes simplex virus-2 (79%), trichomoniasis (37%), chlamydia (11%), and gonorrhea (2%). Few women knew themselves to be infected with STIs other than HIV. Excluding HIV, the mean number of STIs per woman was 1.3 (SD 0.7). HIV-infected women were significantly more likely than uninfected women to have multiple positive screens (1.6 vs. 1.2, P = 0.002). Women reported having both lower and higher risk sex partners. HIV-infected women were 2 times more likely than uninfected woman to report current sex work (P = 0.05), the only difference in sex risk. In a linear regression model, crack cocaine use was uniquely associated with multiple positive STI screens, excluding HIV (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Several STIs, including HIV, seem to be endemic among black women who use drugs in this community. In addition to the known geographical clustering of HIV and STIs, STIs were also found to cluster at the individual level. Multiply STI infected individuals may unknowingly, but efficiently, contribute to high STI and HIV rates.     

Prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in high-risk women in the Republic of Panama

This study enrolled 1,032 sexually active women attending social hygiene clinics in Panama City; clinic attendance is mandatory for women employed in houses of prostitution, bars, and cabarets. Women were interviewed, and endocervical specimens were obtained for culture of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus. Four occupational groups attended the social hygiene clinics: prostitutes, bar girls denying prostitution, cabaret entertainers, and streetwalkers detained by the police. Prevalence of sexually transmitted disease, nationality, race, contraceptive method, and self-medication varied significantly by occupation; 31% of streetwalkers had gonorrhea as did 10% of prostitutes, 5% of bar girls, and 3% of cabaret entertainers. Rates of positive serologic tests for syphilis followed the same trend: 23% in streetwalkers, 7% in prostitutes, and 3% in nonprostitutes. Rates of chlamydial infection were significantly higher in cabaret entertainers (8%) than in any other occupational group (2%). Cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus infections were uncommon and were found in 5% and 1% of the women, respectively. Prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae varied with self-medication and years of "professional" experience. Only one of 160 N. gonorrhoeae isolates was resistant to penicillin and also beta-lactamase-positive.