Markers of sexually transmitted diseases in seminal fluid of male clients of female sex workers.
OBJECTIVE
To screen for certain STD markers in a group of male clients of female sex workers.


METHODS
Condoms with seminal fluid were collected at 10 "massage parlours" in Copenhagen. The seminal fluid samples were examined for HIV antibodies, markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV), Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma genitalium.


RESULTS
All samples (n = 332) were negative for HIV antibodies. Out of 327 samples examined for HBV markers 32 (9.8%) were positive for HBV core antibodies, one of which was also positive for HBV antigen. C trachomatis could be demonstrated in six out of 122 (4.9%) samples and M genitalium in one out of 122 samples.


CONCLUSIONS
The finding of a C trachomatis prevalence of 4.9% is considerable higher than expected in men with a presumed age of 35-55 years. The demonstration of a prevalence of HBV markers of 9.8% indicates that these clients have an increased risk of HBV infection, a finding that further consolidates the recommendation of HBV vaccination of sex workers. As shown in this study, STD transmission in commercial sex may also have the client as the source.
Worm
A M
AM
Department of Dermato-Venerology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Lauritzen
E
E
Jensen
I P
IP
Jensen
J S
JS
Christiansen
C B
CB
D000328:Adult; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D017280:Condoms; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009174:Mycoplasma / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015995:Prevalence; D012661:Semen / Q000382:microbiology*; D011477:Sex Work; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission
D015483:HIV Antibodies