Syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus, herpes genital and hepatitis B in a women's prison in Cochabamba, Bolivia: prevalence and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and herpes type 2 (HSV2) among women in the prison of San Sebastian in Cochabamba (Bolivia). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study including a standardized questionnaire to assess socio-demographics characteristics and risk factors (sexual practices and exposure to blood); and serological tests for syphilis, HSV2, VIH, and HBV. We performed bivariate and multivariate analyses to test the associations between variables of interest and infections. RESULTS: A total of 219 out of 220 prisoners (99.5%) participated in the study. For syphilis, 12.8% of participants had both reactive tests (RPR+/TPPA+). The prevalence of HSV2 and VIH was 62.6% and 1.4%, respectively. Anti-HBc, indicating a resolved or chronic HBV, was positive in 11.9% of participants and 0.5% had active HBV (HBsAg positive). A low level of education was associated with syphilis, HSV2 and HBV. Having occasional sexual partners was associated with syphilis and HSV2. Being over 36 years old and having more than 3 children were associated with HBV. The number of sexual partners, history of prostitution and rape, having sexual intercourses in prison and detention time were not associated with any of these infections. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of syphilis, HIV, HSV2 and HBV was higher in this vulnerable female population than in the general population in Bolivia. Control measures in detention are needed to limit the spread of these infections both in prisons and in the community.

Rapid diagnostic testing to improve access to screening for syphilis in prison.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy of on-site rapid treponemal test for syphilis diagnosis in women deprived of liberty in Bolivia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serological tests for syphilis were performed on 219 women deprived of liberty from the San Sebastián prison in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Syphilis was diagnosed using RPR (bioMérieux) and TPPA (Fujirebio) serological tests, and the results were compared to on-site rapid treponemal test (Alere DetermineTM Syphilis TP) in whole blood. Diagnostic performance of two FTA tests were also compared (bioMérieux and Biocientífica). RESULTS: All participants (28) with RPR+/TPPA+ had the rapid syphilis test positive (sensitivity 100%). Eleven participants had rapid syphilis test positive without RPR and TPPA both positive; nevertheless 7 of them had RPR or TPPA positive. Of 33 participants with FTA-bioMérieux positive, 22 (66.6%) had FTA-Biocientífica positive. DISCUSSION: The rapid syphilis test Determine shows excellent performance as a screening tool among women deprived of liberty affected by high prevalence of syphilis. This test is particularly indicated when there are barriers for access to conventional serological tests. It is inexpensive, easy to use and does not require electricity and laboratory infrastructure. The FTA test performed with reagents from Biocientífica had a suboptimal sensitivity.

[Streptococcal infection in a primary school population. Study during the academic year]. / Infección estreptocócica en una población escolar primaria. Estudio durante un curso escolar.

One hundred and seventy four children from the "República de Checoslovaquia" National School of the Centro Habana-Norte municipality were investigated during the 1976-1977 academic course months. The method of mail interview of parents was used. Every month the history of oropharyngeal infection and antibiotic administration was obtained, and bacteriology of pharyngeal exudates was performed. Antistreptolysin or AELO titers were determined at three-month intervals. Cardiovascular physical examinations were made and electrocardiograms obtained during the last month. 19,22% of exudates were positive for hemolytic streptococci. 46,56% of streptococcal strains isolated corresponded to the group A. Hemolytic streptococci isolation ranged between 10,4% in October, 1976 and 36,1% in April, 1977. The monthly distribution of the different serological groups of isolated hemolytic streptococci disclosed statistically significant differences. 78,26% of the 667 AELO reactions corresponded to titers of 200 or more Todd units. Average titers in the four stages of the serological study are between 382,42 and 463,92 Todd units. Significative differences between the results of bacteriology and serology and the physical state of oropharynx or the history of clinical manifestations were not evidenced. Manifestations of carditis or rheumatic fever were not found.