title: Sexually transmitted infections among brothel-based sex workers in bangladesh: high prevalence of asymptomatic infection.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh.
authors.forename: Khairun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nessa
authors.forename: Shama A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Waris
authors.forename: Anadil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alam
authors.forename: Mohsina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Huq
authors.forename: Shamsun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nahar
authors.forename: Faisal Arif Hasan
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Chawdhury
authors.forename: Shirajum
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Monira
authors.forename: Monir Uddin
authors.initials: MU
authors.lastname: Badal
authors.forename: Jinath
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sultana
authors.forename: Kazi Faisal
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Mahmud
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Das
authors.forename: Dipak Kumar
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Mitra
authors.forename: Zafar
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Sultan
authors.forename: Najmul
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hossain
authors.forename: Motiur
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rahman
mesh_terms: 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