RESUMO
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 behaviour, 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. Even though 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/II 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.
PIP: Serum samples from 237 female prostitutes of mean age 25 years recruited from 16 different Buenos Aires locations of differing economic status were studied to determine the prevalence of HIV-1 and HTLV-I/II in the subpopulation. The participants, aged 17-39 years, also provided data on their sex behavior, health, and socioeconomic conditions. The presence of HIV-1 and HTLV-I/II antibodies was assessed using ELISA and particle agglutination, respectively, with positive results confirmed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). HIV-1-seropositive samples were also tested for p24 antigen. VDRL for syphilis performed upon all samples found 13.2% to have serological evidence of infection. All women had been treated for frequently occurring sexually transmitted diseases. 15 women tested seropositive for infection with HIV-1. Two HIV-1 seropositive prostitutes were also positive for HTLV-I/II antibodies and HIV p24-Ag. PCR for HTLV-I/II was not performed, but titration by IFA suggests HTLV-I. The study's serologic results indicate a relatively high prevalence of HIV-1 infection among prostitutes working in Buenos Aires. The prevalence of HIV-1 infection was higher among prostitutes working in mask brothels such as saunas and massage houses than among hotel and street prostitutes.