[Prostitutes of the east sector of Santiago: characteristics and pathology of sexual transmission].

We studied the frequency of venereal disease in 329 prostitutes working at massage parlours in Santiago. The mean age was 24 years and half of them had high school or university studies. In spite of frequent sexual contacts averaging 2.8 per day, the prevalence of significant venereal disease was not high in this group. Notably, AIDS infection was not detected. Vaginitis due to Trichomonas or Candida infection was the commonest problem and this was half as frequent among gum preservative users. Marital condition, age, obstetrical history and other variables were not related to genital infection.