The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among hotel-based sex workers (HBSWs) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was studied. A total of 400 HBSWs were enrolled in the study during April to July 2002. Endocervical swabs, high vaginal swabs, and blood samples from 400 HBSWs were examined for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (by culture), Chlamydia trachomatis (by PCR), Trichomonas vaginalis (by microscopy), antibody to Treponema pallidum (by both rapid plasma reagin and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination tests), and antibody to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Sociodemographic information as well as gynecological and obstetric information was collected. Among the HBSWs, 228 women (57%) were symptomatic and 172 (43%) were asymptomatic, 35.8% were positive for N. gonorrhoeae, 43.5% were positive for C. trachomatis, and 4.3% were positive for T. vaginalis. A total of 8.5% had syphilis, 34.5% were positive for HSV-2, and 86.8% were positive for at least one RTI or STI. There was no significant difference between the prevalences of STIs among the symptomatic and asymptomatic HBSWs. These data suggested a high prevalence of STIs, particularly gonorrhea and chlamydia, among HBSWs in Dhaka.As in other developing countries, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) represent a major public health problem in Bangladesh (1). Control of ulcerative (syphilis, chancroid, and herpes simplex virus type 2 [HSV-2] infection) and nonulcerative (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis) STIs and of RTIs (bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis) is important not only for preventing complications related to infection but also for preventing heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In a number of recent studies, it has been shown that bacterial and parasitic agents of STIs and RTIs, increase the release of virion particles in the semen and ulcers in the genital region and thus increase the risk of both acquisition and transmission of HIV in patients with STIs (15, 2, 4). Consistent with this observation, Grosskurth et al. have demonstrated that control of STIs through syndromic management in the general population in a rural area of Tanzania was able to reduce the serological incidence of HIV by 42% (8).Female sex workers (FSWs) are particularly at risk for STIs and HIV (5). They often are infected by their clients and subsequently transmit the infection to other partners. It has earlier been demonstrated that in most parts of Asia and Africa, 60 to 70% of the STIs relate to clients of FSWs and sexual networks (14).The number of FSWs in Bangladesh is unknown, but estimates range from 50,000 to 100,000. FSWs work in brothels, streets, hotels, and residences (7). However, in recent years there has been remarkable change in the nature of the sex industry, possibly due to (i) eviction of brothels from major cities, (ii) increased demand for sex workers in nonstigmatized locations, (iii) demand for flexible...

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Key words: Pelvic floor dysfunction; urogynaecology; stress urinary incontinence (SUI); pelvic organ prolapse (POP); overactive bladder (OAB); urodynamic studies (UDS)DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v21i2.7736 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2010: 21(2):35-40