SYPHILIS AND HIV-INFECTION AMONG DISPLACED PREGNANT-WOMEN IN RURAL MOZAMBIQUE

A cross-sectional study was conducted among displaced pregnant women i n Mozambique to determine the prevalence and correlates of HIV infecti on and syphilis. Between September 1992 and February 1993, 1728 consec utive antenatal attendees of 14 rural clinics in Zambezia were intervi ewed, examined, and tested for HIV and syphilis antibodies. The seropr evalence of syphilis and HIV were 12.2% and 2.9%, respectively. Report ed sexual abuse was frequent (8.4%) but sex for money was uncommon. A positive MHA-TP result was significantly associated with unmarried sta tus, history of past STD, HIV infection, and current genital ulcers, v aginal discharge, or genital warts. Significant correlates of HIV sero positivity included anal intercourse, history of past STD, and syphili s. In summary, displaced pregnant women had a high prevalence of syphi lis but a relatively low HIV seroprevalence suggesting recent introduc tion of HIV infection in this area or slow spread of the epidemic. A s yphilils screening and treatment programme is warranted to prevent per inatal transmission and to reduce the incidence of chancres as a cofac tor for HIV transmission.