Sexual practices and prevalence of HIV, HTLV-I/II, and Treponema pallidum among clandestine female sex workers in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

A survey was conducted to determine the sexual behavior practices and prevalence of HIV-1, HTLV-I/II, and T. pallidum infections among unlicensed female sex workers (FSWs) in Lima, Peru.

GOAL OF THIS STUDY

To assess the role of unlicensed FSWs as a potential source of retroviral and T. pallidum infection.

STUDY DESIGN

Female sex workers from 15 brothels were enrolled. Sera samples were obtained and tested for antibodies to HIV-1, HTLV-I, and Treponema pallidum.

RESULTS

Of 158 FSWs studied, all were negative for HIV-1, 6 were positive for HTLV-I, and 5 were positive for Treponema pallidum. Of their male clients, 75% used condoms, whereas only 3% reported condom use with their steady partners. When condoms were always used by clients, the history of a sexually transmitted disease was significantly reduced (p < 0.01), and the prevalence of HTLV-I (p < 0.05) and syphilis was lower among these workers.

CONCLUSION

Data suggested that the low rate of sexually transmitted diseases among FSWs reflected the high rate of condom use by their male clients.