Seroprevalence of HIV, HBV and Syphilis and Associated Risk Behaviours in Male Transvestites (Hijras) in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

In Pakistan, male sex workers are predominantly transvestites and transsexuals known as Hijras. In 1998 in Karachi, Pakistan, we studied the seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg and syphilis and associated risk factors in Hijras. Study subjects were verbally administered a structured questionnaire that determined risk behaviours for sexually transmitted and blood-borne diseases and knowledge of AIDS/STDs. After pre-test counselling, verbal consent was taken for serological testing. The results were provided on a one-on-one post-test counselling session. Three hundred male transvestites were approached; all agreed to answer the questionnaire, 208 consented to blood testing. Of 300, 81% acknowledged commercial sex with men. Of 208, prevalence of syphilis was 37%; HBsAg 3.4%; HIV 0%. The prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) is low in transvestite sex workers but that of syphilis is high. Intervention programmes implemented at this stage can have an impact on HIV and STD prevention.

HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among men, transgenders and women selling sex in two cities in Pakistan: a cross-sectional prevalence survey

“…During the course of the survey, incomplete collection of the RDS data prevented the sample proportions from being adjusted for network sizes and recruitment biases and thus did not allow us to obtain population estimates of FSW and MTSW characteristics. Comparisons with findings from other surveys in Pakistan, however, show that the people who participated in the surveys in Rawalpindi and Abbottabad had broadly similar characteristics and reported behaviours to those sex workers taking part in behavioural surveillance, with some exceptions (including numbers of partners and use of condoms),32 and STI/HIV prevalence levels are similar to those found in other sex worker surveys in Pakistan 33. Knowledge of HIV and its transmission was low in our survey compared with findings in many other cities, and this may account for some of the observed differences.…”

Four years of experience with antiretroviral therapy in adult patients in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

“…11 Up to June 2003, deported Pakistanis from Gulf countries constituted the single largest group identified with HIV infection, whereas prevalence in high-risk groups was low in Pakistan. [12][13][14] However, recent surveillance reports indicate that the epidemic is now being established among high-risk groups, with infection rates among injecting drug users (IDU), transvestite/transsexual sex workers and men having sex with men steadily rising. 10 The aims of this study were (i) to provide a description of adult HIV-infected patients started on ART since it became available free of cost via the SACP in Karachi and (ii) to evaluate their management, adherence to treatment, retention in the programme and outcomes.…”

Fatores de risco para doenças sexualmente transmissíveis entre prostitutas e travestis de Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brasil

“…Além desse fato, puramente comercial, outra razão apontada para o elevado consumo de bebidas alcoólicas são dificuldades inerentes à prostituição, as quais seriam mais facilmente enfrentadas quando o PS usa alguma substân-cia com efeito desinibitório, caso do álcool e de outras drogas (11,14). É justamente em decorrência desse efeito que o consumo de bebidas alcoólicas tem sido associado à maior ocorrência de sexo inseguro entre prostitutas (11,14) e travestis (22).…”