The prevalence of sexually transmissible infections among female sex workers from countries with low and high prevalences in Melbourne

Abstract

Objectives To assess the proportion of female sex workers (FSWs) from low-prevalence ('other') and high-prevalence countries (HPCs) for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in Melbourne. Methods: Retrospective data analysis from the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre database for February 2002-May 2011. Results: Some 1702 HPC FSWs, 2594 other FSWs and 13?644 nonFSW women were included, with 12?891 and 21?611 consultations, respectively, for HPC FSWs and other FSWs. Proportions of HPC FSWs with chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) (4.2% v. 3.3%, P≤0.14), gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) (0.24% v. 0.31%, P≤0.66) or trichomonas (0.65 v. 0.46, P≤0.42) at first visit were similar to those of other..