Effects of periodic presumptive treatment on three bacterial sexually transmissible infections and HIV among female sex workers in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Eunice Bruce A G , Ludwina Bauai B , Andrew Masta C , Poyap J. Rooney C , Michael Paniu C , Mathias Sapuri D , Louise Keogh E , John Kaldor F and Christopher K. Fairley A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3053, Australia.
B Pacific Adventist University, Port Moresby, NCD 111, Papua New Guinea.
C School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, NCD 111, Papua New Guinea.
D Pacific International Hospital, 4 Mile PO Box 6103 Stores Road, Boroko, Port Moresby, NCD 111, Papua New Guinea.
E Centre for Women’s, Health, Gender and Society, School of Public Health, University of Melbourne, Vic. 3053, Australia.
F National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
G Corresponding author. Email: ebruce@mshc.org.au
Sexual Health 8(2) 222-228 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH10049
Submitted: 20 April 2010 Accepted: 12 October 2010 Published: 18 May 2011
Abstract
Background: Sexually transmissible infections (STI) are common in female sex workers (FSW). Aim: To determine if 3-monthly periodic presumptive treatments (PPT) would reduce the prevalence of STI in FSW. Methods: In a cohort study conducted between November 2003 and September 2004, FSW were enrolled, counselled and interviewed. Informed consent was obtained. Testing by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) and Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv), and serology for HIV were performed at baseline and final follow-up visits. Each FSW received 3-monthly oral amoxicillin, probenecid, a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, and azithromycin. Tinidazole was administered once. Results: The cohort consisted of 129 FSW at baseline and 71 at final follow-up visit. Of these 71 FSW, there was a significant decline in the proportion with positive PCR results for Ct from 38% to 16% (P = 0.001), Ng from 56% to 23% (P = <0.001) and Tv from 62% to 30% (P = <0.001) between baseline and the final follow-up visit. HIV prevalence increased from 15% to 21% (P = 0.125). Conclusions: PPT was statistically effective in reducing STI but rates rebounded rapidly. Several new HIV infections occurred. If PPT is to be very effective in FSW where the prevalence of STI is so high, then 100% condom use with clients and regular sexual partners (RSP), and high rates of notification of RSP would be required if low incidence and prevalence of STI were to be achievable.
Additional keywords: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, Trichomonas vaginalis.
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