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. 1991 Apr;67(2):133–136. doi: 10.1136/sti.67.2.133

Prevalence of sexually transmitted pathogens among women attending a methadone clinic in Israel.

Z Samra 1, M Dan 1, S Segev 1, Y Fintsi 1, S Bar-Shany 1, M Weinberg 1, R Gutman 1
PMCID: PMC1194648  PMID: 2032707

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.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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