Sexually transmitted infections among brothel-based sex workers in bangladesh: high prevalence of asymptomatic infection.
OBJECTIVE AND GOAL: The goal of this study was to study the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among brothel-based sex workers (SWs) in Bangladesh.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted among SWs in 4 randomly selected brothels. A sociodemographic and behavioral survey and pelvic examination was conducted. Specimens including endocervical swab, high vaginal swab, and blood were collected and were examined for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis candidiasis, and syphilis.


RESULTS
A total of 439 SWs were enrolled and 49.6% had genital symptoms. Among all SWs, 17.5% were positive for N. gonorrhoeae; 15.5% for C. trachomatis; 7.5% for T. vaginalis, and 6.6% had active syphilis. A total of 67.4% SWs were positive for at least 1 cervical and/or vaginal infection.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of STIs/RTIs among SWs in brothels in Bangladesh is high. An intervention strategy addressing both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections and periodic screening of SWs for RTIs/STIs is essential for successful HIV and STIs prevention programs.
Nessa
Khairun
K
International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh.
Waris
Shama A
SA
Alam
Anadil
A
Huq
Mohsina
M
Nahar
Shamsun
S
Chawdhury
Faisal Arif Hasan
FA
Monira
Shirajum
S
Badal
Monir Uddin
MU
Sultana
Jinath
J
Mahmud
Kazi Faisal
KF
Das
Joseph
J
Mitra
Dipak Kumar
DK
Sultan
Zafar
Z
Hossain
Najmul
N
Rahman
Motiur
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001459:Bangladesh / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D015995:Prevalence; D011477:Sex Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014626:Vaginal Smears