Prevalence of sexually transmitted pathogens among women attending a methadone clinic in Israel. Issue 2 (April 1991)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Samra, Z; Dan, M; Segev, S; Fintsi, Y; Bar-Shany, S; Weinberg, M; Gutman, R
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 67:Issue 2(1991)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 136
• Publication Date: 1991-04
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sti.67.2.133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE--To assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted pathogens in drug-addicted women in Tel Aviv, Israel. DESIGN--A prospective study conducted between March and July 1987. SETTING--A methadone clinic in Tel Aviv, Israel. SUBJECTS--Sixty four asymptomatic female drug addicts were studied; 38 of them were declared practising prostitutes. METHODS--Cervical specimens were obtained for cultures, and blood samples were drawn for serological tests. Demographic data and sexual histories were obtained using a standard questionnaire. RESULTS--Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in the cervix of 25% of women; 98% had antibody titres (greater than 1:64). Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum were isolated in 57% and 65% respectively. Gardnerella vaginalis was detected in 17% of women, and herpes simplex virus was cultured from two prostitutes. Five per cent of women were carriers of HBsAg, while 57% had HBSs and/or HBc antibodies. Only one prostitute had specific treponemal antibodies. In no case were gonococci or group B streptococci isolated, and HIV serology was invariably negative. CONCLUSION--Chlamydia and genital mycoplasmas appear to be the prevailing pathogens in Israeli drug-addicted women, while gonococci and Treponema pallidum occur only rarely.