HIV and syphilis seroprevalence and associated factors in pregnant women and their couples in 6 Amazonian indigenous populations in Peru 2007-2008

Abstract

Background: HIV and Syphilis magnitude information in Amazonian indigenous population is scarce. In 2004-2006, HIV/AIDS cases have been reported from periurban indigenous population. Methods: From June 2007 to december 2008 a seroprevalence study was conducted in 6 Amazonian indigenous populations: Shispibo-Konibo, Ashaninka, Kandozi, Shapra, Chayahuita, Matsigenka. Objective: to determine the magnitude of HIV and Syphilis and factors associated. Blood samples and written surveys were obtained. Informed consent was obtained from National, Regional and local Community leaders and participants. For HIV testing, Elisa and immunefluorescence tests were used; for Syphilis, RPR and MTPHA. Results: 1274 pregnant women and 721 male couples were surveyed. HIV positive results: 2 women (0.16% [95%CI: 0.02 - 0.58]) and 2 males (0.28% [95%IC: 0.03 – 1.02]). Syphilis positive results: 20 women (1.60% [95%CI: 0.98% – 2.46%]) and 17 males (2.41% [95%CI: 1.41% – 3.83%]). Only 14.3% and 29.6% of women and males, referred having used condoms sometime. Sexual transmitted infections (HIV and Syphilis - STI) in pregnant women were associated to: 1) Male couple STI: OR = 14.10 (95%CI: 2.73 – 65.21; p = 0.003); 2) Vaginal secretion: OR = 2.87 (95%CI: 1.15 – 7.14; p = 0.021); 3) women Anti-HBc positivity OR = 2.82 (IC95%: 1.13 – 7.23; p = 0.013); 4) > 1 sexual partner in last 12 months OR = 2.96 (IC95%: 1.07 – 8.18; p = 0.045); 5) >5 sexual partners in lifetime OR = 3.50 (IC95%: 1.10 – 9.62; p = 0.017). Sexual transmitted infections in males were associated to: 1) history of sexual relations with another male in lifetime OR = 5.9 (IC95%: 1.82 – 19.12; p = 0.010); 2) sexual relations with another male in last 12 months OR = 11.9 (IC95%: 3.01 – 47.26; p = 0.005); 3) More than 10 sex partners in lifetime OR = 3.29 (IC95%: 1.29 – 8.36; p = 0.015). Conclusion: HIV in Amazonian indigenous populations studied may be in a concentrated level (high risk groups information still needed). Syphilis triples national prevalence. Data suggests that transmission of these diseases to women is mediated by their couples. Lack of risk perception, poor STI knowledge, limited access to treatment and preventive measures, are other determinants identified. The development of a national plan of STI prevention and control is urgently needed in the Amazonian indigenous population in Peru. Abstracts for SupplementInternational Journal of Infectious DiseasesVol. 14Preview Full-Text PDF Open Archive