Sexually Transmitted Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Street-Based and Residence-Based Female Sex Workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Female sex workers (FSWs) in Bangladesh remain at elevated risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) although the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence among them is low. Recent information on the burden and etiological diagnosis of STIs among them has been lacking. This study examines prevalence and risk behaviors of selected STIs among FSWs in Dhaka in 2014. METHODS: Between August and October 2014, a cross-sectional study was conducted among street-based and residence-based FSWs receiving HIV prevention services at 24 drop in centers in Dhaka. Participants underwent behavioral interview, clinical examination, and laboratory testing for selected STIs using cervical swabs and blood. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 371 streets and 329 residence FSWs. Prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and active syphilis were 5.1%, 4.6%, 1.3% in street FSWs and were 5.8%, 8.2%, and 0.6% for residence FSWs which are lower compared with the previously reported rates. The following factors were associated with having any STI: being ≤5 years in sex trade (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.9; P < 0.01), and having a cervical discharge (odds ratio, 2.6, 95% confidence interval, 1.5-4.6; P < 0.01). Resistance to cefixime and azithromycin was observed for 1 and 3 Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite receiving HIV/STI prevention services, bacterial STIs remain prevalent among FSWs suggesting the need for more effective management of STIs. The guidelines for management of STIs need revision in view of the emerging resistance.

High group birefringence in air-core photonic bandgap fibers.

A numerical investigation of group birefringence is carried out on a recently reported highly birefringent hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber by use of an efficient vector finite-element method. The hollow fiber core has an area as large as that of approximately four airholes in the cladding region and assumes a rhombic shape with round corners, and the airholes in the cladding region are hexagonal and provide a high air-filling fraction. Numerical results show very high group birefringence of the order of 10(-2) and phase birefringence of the order of 10(-3).