[Microbiological study of some microorganisms implicated in sexually transmitted diseases among the female prison population].

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are of over greater interest, particularly since the appearance of the human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) in the last decade. Asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic infections are very frequent, overall in women. The aim of this study was to know the prevalence of certain STD producing microorganisms in a female penitentiary population, the clinical characteristics and evaluate the risk factors which may be found in this population.

METHODS: One hundred thirty-three female prisoners attended in the Gynecology Ward of the Female Penitentiary of Carabanchel of Madrid, Spain, were studied over 13 months (from 30 April 1993 to 30 May, 1994). Vaginal and endocervical samples were taken in each case for microbiologic study by the usual methods. Demographic and clinical data were collected as were possible risk factors for acquiring STD (age of first sexual relations, sexual habits, intravenous drug addiction.