title: Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection in migrant female sex workers in Italy.
abstract: We have assessed prevalence, incidence, and factors associated with increased risk for Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection among female migrant sex workers in Italy. In a prospective, observational study, women were offered free screening for sexually transmitted diseases and C. trachomatis was tested by a commercial ligase chain reaction assay in endocervical specimens. Of the 101 women tested, 14 (14%) were positive. The odds ratio (OR) for C. trachomatis infection was significantly higher for females under 24 years (OR=4.31), women from Eastern Europe (OR=4.80), and migrants less than 12 months in Italy (OR=4.41). In a multivariate logistic regression model, only origin from Eastern Europe remained independently associated to a higher risk for C. trachomatis infection (OR=6.05). This study provides evidence for high prevalence and incidence of C. trachomatis genital infection in migrant sex workers. Women from Eastern Europe have a significantly higher risk. These data reinforce the need for targeted control interventions.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008403:Mass Screening; D008952:Mobile Health Units; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*