Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among clients of female commercial sex workers in Thailand

Background: Clients of commercial sex workers are considered at high risk f or the acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) . Identification and treatment of infections in this group could help to re duce the transmission of STDs. Goal: To ascertain the prevalence of sexually transmitted organisms in male clients of female sex workers in Thailand by analysis of seminal fluid col lected after intercourse. Study Design: Used condoms were collected from 291 male clients attending a brothel in Hat Yai, Thailand during a 7-day period. Nucleic acid was extra cted from seminal fluid and tested by polymerase chain reaction for the pre sence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginali s, herpes simplex virus (HSV) and HIV sequences. Results: Overall, 17 (6%), 47 (16%), and 2 (1%) of specimens were positive for C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae and T vaginalis respectively. HSV sequence s were found in 24 (8%) of the specimens: 14 specimens (5%) with HSV type 1 , and 11 specimens (4%) with HSV type 2. HIV RNA was detected in two sample s (1%). Overall, 75 specimens (26%) were positive for one or more infection s, and more than one pathogen was detected in 16 specimens (5%). Conclusion: This study reports a high rate of STDs among clients of female sex workers in Thailand. Consequently, this population is a significant ris k for transmitting STDs to commercial sex workers and to other noncommercia l partners. Strategies that target this population of men are needed to red uce STD and HIV transmission.