Sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and HIV-1 infections in two at-risk populations in Barcelona: female street prostitutes and STI clinic attendees

SummaryObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and HIV-1 infections in female street prostitutes and STI clinic attendees in Barcelona.DesignThis was a prospective study carried out in two four-month periods over two years. Urine specimens were tested for CT and NG using a PCR pooling algorithm. Among street prostitutes HIV-1 testing in urine was also carried out.ResultsThe prevalences of CT, NG, and HIV-1 in female street prostitutes (n = 301) were 4.7%, 3.7%, and 1.0%, respectively. Women from Eastern Europe had the highest prevalence of CT (p = 0.01). Prevalences of CT, NG, and HIV-1 among all clinic attendees (n = 536) were 4.3%, 4.5%, and 4.4%, respectively. Prevalence of HIV-1 infection among homosexual men was higher compared with heterosexual men and women (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Overall CT prevalence is currently lower than in other European countries, although it could increase as a result of immigration. Rates of HIV-1 and of NG are higher among homosexual than among heterosexual men.