Motorcycle taxi drivers and sexually transmitted infections in a Peruvian Amazon City.
BACKGROUND
In Iquitos, Peru, motorcycle taxis are a common form of public transportation used both by residents and visitors.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevalence of factors associated with sexually transmitted disease risk and of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections among motorcycle taxi drivers working in Iquitos, Peru.


METHODS
A convenience sample of motorcycle taxi drivers was recruited through street outreach. Participants were confidentially interviewed and provided urine specimens for gonococcal and chlamydial infection testing.


RESULTS
A history of sexually transmitted disease (62%) or symptoms in the past year (35%) and of referral of clients to commercial sex workers (60%) was common. The prevalence of gonococcal or chlamydial infection was 3.5%.


CONCLUSIONS
Motorcycle taxi drivers are a major means of public transportation in Iquitos, Peru, have high personal risks for sexually transmitted disease, and interface often with at-risk persons.
Paris
M
M
University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294-0007, USA.
Gotuzzo
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E
Goyzueta
G
G
Aramburu
J
J
Caceres
C F
CF
Crawford
D
D
Castellano
T
T
Vermund
S H
SH
Hook
E W
EW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D010568:Peru / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011477:Sex Work; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014556:Urine / Q000382:microbiology