MALE TRANSVESTITE SEX WORKERS AND HIV IN RIO-DE-JANEIRO, BRAZIL

The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of HIV-1 infectio n among a group of transvestite prostitutes in Rio de Janeiro and to i dentify HIV-related risk behaviors to develop targeted intervention st rategies. A total of 46 transvestite sex workers were recruited and as sessed regarding drug use and sexual risk behaviors. Sixty-three perce nt tested positive for antibody to HIV-1. Injection drug use was the o nly factor statistically related to HIV seropositivity. However, sexua l risk behaviors, including unprotected anal sex and sex for drug exch anges, were reported by a substantial part of the sample. In addition, given that they engage in both receptive and insertive anal sex with a primarily heterosexual male clientele, they may be playing a role in the heterosexual spread of HIV/AIDS in Brazil. The results of this st udy suggest that transvestite sex workers are at uniquely high risk fo r HIV infection and that intervention efforts for this population must be equally unique.