The prevalences of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections among female sex workers in China

Abstract

BackgroundSexually transmitted infections (STIs) have become a major public health problem among female sex workers (FSWs) in China. There have been many studies on prevalences of HIV and syphilis but the data about Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections are limited in this population in China.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed among FSWs recruited from different types of venues in 8 cities in China. An interview with questionnaire was conducted, followed by collection of a blood and cervical swab specimens for tests of HIV, syphilis, NG and CT infections.ResultsA total of 3,099 FSWs were included in the study. The overall prevalence rates of HIV, syphilis, NG and CT were 0.26%, 6.45%, 5.91% and 17.30%, respectively. Being a FSW from low-tier venue (adjusted odds ratios [AOR]=1.39) had higher risk and being age of ≥ 21 years (AOR=0.60 for 21–25 years; AOR=0.29 for 26–30 years; AOR=0.35 for 31 years or above) had lower risk for CT infection; and having CT infection was significantly associated with NG infection.ConclusionsThe high STI prevalence rates found among FSWs, especially among FSWs in low-tier sex work venues, suggest that the comprehensive prevention and control programs including not only behavioral interventions but also screening and medical care are needed to meet the needs of this population.

Prevalence and correlates of HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections in female sex workers (FSWs) in Shanghai, China

“…Interestingly, a repeated cross-sectional study from neighbouring Zhejiang found a marked decrease in syphilis prevalence over the four years examined: 2006, 13·5%; 2007, 0·8%; 2008, 0·0%; 2009, 0·5% [24], and found no HIV infections and a syphilis prevalence of 4·5%. We compared our results to large study of 3099 FSWs in eight cities in eastern and southern China in 2009, the same year as our study [25]. The rate of HIV and chlamydia were very similar to the rates we observed but their rate of syphilis was about fivefold greater and gonorrhoea about double what we observed.…”

Neisseria gonorrhoeae prevalence, incidence and associated risk factors among female sex workers in a high HIV-prevalence area of China

“…Surveillance of syphilis infection among FSWs has been integrated into the national HIV surveillance system in China, but N. gonorrhoeae surveillance activities were mainly based on passive case reporting 8 . There have been many studies on HIV and syphilis 9, 10 , but the data about N. gonorrhoeae infections are limited in this population in China 8, 11–13 .…”

“…Surveillance of syphilis infection among FSWs has been integrated into the national HIV surveillance system in China, but N. gonorrhoeae surveillance activities were mainly based on passive case reporting 8 . There have been many studies on HIV and syphilis 9, 10 , but the data about N. gonorrhoeae infections are limited in this population in China 8, 11–13 . These cross-sectional studies conducted between 2005 and 2013 revealed the range of N. gonorrhoeae prevalence among FSWs being 1.8–37.8% in different regions across the country (median = 7.8%) 8, 11–14 .…”

Modern aspects of epidemiological surveillance of gonococcal infection spread

“…Подчеркивается, что работницы коммерческого секса являются важнейшей ключевой группой в рас-пространении ИППП, в том числе гонококковой инфекции, своеобразным «мостом» по передаче ин-фекции в гетеросексуальную популяцию, группой риска по распространению всех ИППП. Среди стра-тегий вмешательства (интервенции), направленных на предупреждение распространения ИППП у дан-ного контингента, отмечены программы, направ-ленные на коррекцию поведения высокого риска, программы скрининга, программы терапевтическо-го вмешательства [14,15].…”