Sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and HIV-1 infections in two at-risk populations in Barcelona: female street prostitutes and STI clinic attendees
Received 17 May 2005; received in revised form 28 October 2005; accepted 15 November 2005.
Summary
Objective
To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and HIV-1 infections in female street prostitutes and STI clinic attendees in Barcelona.
Design
This was a prospective study carried out in two four-month periods over two years. Urine specimens were tested for CT and NG using a PCR pooling algorithm. Among street prostitutes HIV-1 testing in urine was also carried out.
Results
The prevalences of CT, NG, and HIV-1 in female street prostitutes (n=301) were 4.7%, 3.7%, and 1.0%, respectively. Women from Eastern Europe had the highest prevalence of CT (p=0.01). Prevalences of CT, NG, and HIV-1 among all clinic attendees (n=536) were 4.3%, 4.5%, and 4.4%, respectively. Prevalence of HIV-1 infection among homosexual men was higher compared with heterosexual men and women (p<0.001).
Conclusions
: Overall CT prevalence is currently lower than in other European countries, although it could increase as a result of immigration. Rates of HIV-1 and of NG are higher among homosexual than among heterosexual men.
Corresponding Editor: Salim S. Abdool Karim, Durban, South Africa
ABSTRACT