RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Female sex workers (FSWs) are considered a bridge for transmission of pathogens from high-risk to general populations. We assessed the epidemiological status of syphilis in FSWs along the Pará highway system. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-two FSWs were interviewed and samples were analyzed using rapid qualitative tests and real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The prevalence of syphilis was high (36.94%). The high rate of prostitution, use of illicit drugs, and search for financial resources increased Treponema pallidum transmission through unprotected sex. CONCLUSIONS: Several characteristics of FSWs were identified, which reinforce the need for measures guaranteeing their health and protection.
Asunto(s)
Trabajadores Sexuales/estadística & datos numéricos , Sífilis/epidemiología , Adulto , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa , Factores de Riesgo , Factores Socioeconómicos , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/complicaciones , Sífilis/diagnóstico , Sífilis/transmisión , Transportes , Treponema pallidum/genética , Sexo Inseguro , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Abstract INTRODUCTION: Female sex workers (FSWs) are considered a bridge for transmission of pathogens from high-risk to general populations. We assessed the epidemiological status of syphilis in FSWs along the Pará highway system. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-two FSWs were interviewed and samples were analyzed using rapid qualitative tests and real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The prevalence of syphilis was high (36.94%). The high rate of prostitution, use of illicit drugs, and search for financial resources increased Treponema pallidum transmission through unprotected sex. CONCLUSIONS: Several characteristics of FSWs were identified, which reinforce the need for measures guaranteeing their health and protection.