Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (Mar 2019)

Syphilis in female sex workers: an epidemiological study of the highway system of the state of Pará, northern Brazil

  • Natalia dos Santos Cavalcante,
  • Heverton Rodrigo Reis de Lima,
  • Denise Ferreira Tabosa,
  • Elisa do Socorro Sousa Barbosa,
  • Nayara Priscila da Silva Costa,
  • Luana Mota da Costa,
  • Paula Cristina Rodrigues Frade,
  • Luisa Caricio Martins,
  • Gláucia Caroline Silva-Oliveira,
  • Aldemir Branco de Oliveira-Filho

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0064-2018
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 52, no. 0

Abstract

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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.

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