HIV and syphilis infection in Brazilian male sex workers

ABSTRACT

To describe the epidemiology of HIV and syphilis infection and sexual practices among homosexual male sex workers, we studied 433 transvestites and 96 hustlers recruited by peers in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected based on interviews and blood tests. The study sample consisted of young adults with low educational levei, mainly migrants, recently arrived in the City and living basically of prostitution. HIV rates were 21.9 percent and 39.9 percent, and syphilis was 27.1 percent and 43.4 percent among hustlers and transvestites, respectively. Rates were associated with gender behavior rather than unsafe practices or use of condom. Hustlers reported mainly homosexual and transvestites heterosexual clients. A high number of foreign clients and prostituion outside Brazil is reported. HIV and syphilis among sex workers are a public health urgent problems and need continuous prevention programs extended to customers and sexual partners. Longitudinal studies with short recalls of sex behavior are necessary to plan prevention programs.