Article Text
Abstract
Introduction In Brazil, the feminization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus epidemic (HIV) is a reality. This situation illustrates the occurrence of a period in a woman’s life, pregnancy. In the HIV-positive co-infections are frequent, given that the virus shares the same transmission routes with other pathogens. In pregnant women, this condition is extremely worrying to consider the possibility of vertical transmission of HIV and other Sexually Trasmitted Infections (STIs) during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
Methods A cross-sectional study, retrospective. Data collection was obtained from medical records. We reported the prevalence of other STIs in pregnant women living with HIV, met in the reference maternity of State Goias, Brazil, from January 2007 to December 2013.
Results Were evaluated 323 pregnant HIV-positive. Most women (47,2%) were between 25 and 34 years of age, poorly educated (74.2%) and reported being a housewife (75,3%). 281 women (79,6%) reported inconsistent condom use.
The overall prevalence of STDs was 14.5% (95% CI 11.02 -18.72). Syphilis was detected in 5.0% (95% CI 2.96–7.75); Condylomatosis in 3.71% (95% CI 2.13–6.38); Trichomonas vaginalis in 0.61% (95% CI: 0.17–2.23). Serological markers of hepatitis B virus infection was present in 1.24% (95% CI: 0.48–3.14). Vaginosis was also identified in 2.17% (95% CI: 2.17- 4.40).
Conclusion The substancial prevalence of STIs including syphilis was found among pregnant women HIV-positive in the study. These results show extreme vulnerability of HIV-positive women, which has increased the common obstetric risks of gestational process, the immune compromised. Policies directed to the health needs of HIV-positive women become crucial to prevent maternal-to-child transmission of HIV and other STIs.
Disclosure of interest statement The authors report no real or perceived vested interests that relate to this article that could be construed as a conflict of interest.