title: Geographical variations in the prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in rural Tanzania.
abstract: The prevalence and incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were recorded in two lake-island and eight rural mainland communities in Mwanza, Tanzania. The prevalence and incidence of HIV and syphilis were lower on the islands, but this pattern was not seen for herpes simplex virus type-2, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, male urethritis or antenatal prevalences of Trichomonas vaginalis. Island men reported fewer sexual partners than mainland men but no differences were found for women. Island men were more likely to be circumcised, island women less mobile and there were differences in marriage patterns. Possible explanations for the differences in HIV and syphilis include: slower introduction of HIV into the islands because of geographical isolation, more core-group sexual contact on the mainland, higher prevalence of male circumcision on the islands and differences in marital status. Differences in transmission dynamics may lead to geographical patterns that vary between STIs.
authors.affiliation: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: Henrica A F M
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Jansen
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Morison
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mosha
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Changalucha
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Todd
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Obasi
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rusizoka
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mayaud
authors.forename: Katua
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Munguti
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mabey
authors.forename: Heiner
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Grosskurth
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hayes
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology