HIV Infection Among Foreign Transsexual Sex Workers in Rome

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Abstract
Background TheAzienda Sanitaria Locale Roma E (ASL-RME) outpatient clinic is the mainreference center in Rome for HIV testing of foreignpeople. Goal Todefine the prevalence and incidence of HIV infection among foreign transsexualsex workers attending thecenter. StudyDesign A cross-sectional, follow-up study wasconducted. Results Between1993 and 1999, 353 transsexuals attended the ASL-RME. They were from Colombia(n = 208), Brazil (n = 122), and other countries (n =23). Most of these transsexuals reported having 5 to 10 partners per day. Theoverall HIV prevalence was 38.2%, which multivariate analysis found to beassociated with origin from Brazil and a higher number of sex partners. Theobserved HIV seroconversion rate was 4.1 per 100 person-years, and nonregularcondom use was the only factor related toseroconversion. Conclusions Thedata from this study suggest that promotion of safer sex practices and regularcondom use still is the main priority among marginalized population subgroups,such as foreign prostitutes, involved in sex activities that put them at riskfor HIVinfection.