Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Registered Female Sex Workers in Northern Mexico

In Brief Background Little is known about the epidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in female sex workers (FSWs) in Mexico. Goal The goal of the study was to determine the prevalence of C trachomatis infection in registered FSWs from northern Mexico and to determine the sociodemographic characteristics associated with the infection. Study Design An enzyme immunoassay was used to test 354 FSWs in three northern Mexican cities for cervical C trachomatis infection. All participants were registered in a government health office. Recruitment was consecutive and voluntary. The association between clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of FSWs and C trachomatis infection was evaluated. Results The overall prevalence of C trachomatis infection among participants in the three cities was 12.4%. Women of low socioeconomic level and those younger than 25 years were the most frequently infected. Among FSWs in Durango, a higher frequency of C trachomatis infection was found for those who did not use condoms. Conclusion C trachomatis is an important pathogen in the sexually transmitted diseases of registered FSWs in northern Mexico. An overall prevalence of 12.4% for C trachomatis infection was found among registered female sex workers working in three northern Mexican cities. Infection was associated with age younger than 25 years and low socioeconomic level.