Syphilis in female sex workers: an epidemiological study of the highway system of the state of Pará, northern Brazil
Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop; 52 (), 2019
Publication year: 2019
Abstract INTRODUCTION:
Female sex workers (FSWs) are considered a bridge for transmission of pathogens from high-risk to general populations. We assessed the epidemiological status of syphilis in FSWs along the Pará highway system.METHODS:
Two hundred and twenty-two FSWs were interviewed and samples were analyzed using rapid qualitative tests and real-time polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:
The prevalence of syphilis was high (36.94%). The high rate of prostitution, use of illicit drugs, and search for financial resources increased Treponema pallidum transmission through unprotected sex.CONCLUSIONS:
Several characteristics of FSWs were identified, which reinforce the need for measures guaranteeing their health and protection.
Brasil/epidemiología, Estudios Transversales, Persona de Mediana Edad, Prevalencia, Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa, Factores de Riesgo, Trabajadores Sexuales/estadística & datos numéricos, Factores Socioeconómicos, Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/complicaciones, Sífilis/diagnóstico, Sífilis/epidemiología, Sífilis/transmisión, Transportes, Treponema pallidum/genética, Sexo Inseguro