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HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I/II and STD among female prostitutes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Abstract

To determine the prevalence of HIV-1 and HTLV-I/II among female prostitutes from different areas of the city of Buenos Aires, we studied serum samples from 237 individuals (mean age: 25; range 17 to 39). Prostitutes were recruited from 16 different Buenos Aires locations with different economical status. Information on sexual behavior, health and socioeconomic conditions was collected through a questionnaire. HIV-1 and HTLV-I/II antibodies (ab) were tested by ELISA (Abbott) and Particle agglutination (Fujirebio, Tokyo) respectively. Positive results were confirmed by immunofluorescence assay. Samples that were positive for HIV-1 antibodies were also tested for p24 antigen (Abbott). VDRL for syphilis was performed in all samples. Fifteen (6.3%) out of the 237 individuals were positive for HIV-1 antibodies. Moreover, 2 (0.8%) HIV-1 seropositive prostitutes were also positive for HTLV-I/II antibodies and for HIV p24-Ag. Eventhough PCR for HTLV-I/II was not performed, titration by IFA in these two samples suggests HTLV-I. Our serologic results indicate a relatively high HIV-1 infection among prostitutes working in Buenos Aires. As we previously mentioned for other risk groups, we found an association between HTLV-I/III and HIV-1 infection in this particular group. Although we did not find any significant difference between HIV-1 seropositivity and the variables analyzed through the questionnaire, the prevalence of HIV-1 infection was higher in prostitutes working in mask brothels (‘sauna or massage houses’) as compared with hotel or street prostitutes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unidad Virología, Hospital, F. J. Muñiz, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    I. Zapiola, A. Alvarez & G. Muchinik

  2. Hosptial Juan A. Fernández, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    S. Salomone & J. Lemus

  3. Hospital Carlos G. Durand, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    M. C. Scolastico

  4. Secretaría Salud Pública Municipalidad de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    C. Wainstein

Authors
  1. I. Zapiola
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  2. S. Salomone
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  3. A. Alvarez
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  4. M. C. Scolastico
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  5. R. A. Koessel
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  6. J. Lemus
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  7. C. Wainstein
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  8. G. Muchinik
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Zapiola, I., Salomone, S., Alvarez, A. et al. HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I/II and STD among female prostitutes in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Eur J Epidemiol 12, 27–31 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00144424

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00144424

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