Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections among HIV-positive sex workers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
BACKGROUND
Improved treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is associated with decreased HIV incidence. However, the success of such programs among HIV-positive sex workers has not been shown. GOAL The goal of the study was to determine the incidence of STIs ( and infections) among HIV-positive sex workers.


METHODS
A cohort of HIV-positive sex workers was treated for all STIs at baseline and observed monthly to detect and treat new infections.


RESULTS
Seventy-seven HIV-positive sex workers were followed up for a total of 58.1 women-years. The incidence rate per 100 women-years was 150 (CI: 120-180) infections; 66 (CI: 45-87) infections; 30 (CI: 14-42) infections; and 244 (CI: 200-280) STIs of any type.


CONCLUSIONS
In this cohort of HIV-positive sex workers the incidence of STIs was high, despite their participation in a prevention program comprising monthly STI treatment, counseling, and condom promotion.
Connolly
Catherine A
CA
Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa.
Ramjee
Gita
G
Sturm
Adriann W
AW
Abdool Karim
Salim S
SS
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017280:Condoms; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D011477:Sex Work; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology