Prevalence and factors associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women with HIV in São Paulo.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection among women with HIV in São Paulo.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included women with HIV who were receiving care from sixteen public health services in São Paulo (October 2013 to March 2014). All participants answered a questionnaire regarding their sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics. A urine sample was tested for CT and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) using the polymerase chain reaction. The chi-square test and a logistic regression model were used to test the associations with CT or NG infections.

RESULTS

We evaluated 853 women and ultimately included 836 (98%) women. The mean age was 40.5 ± 0.34 years, and the prevalences of CT and NG infections were 1.8% and 0.5%, respectively. CT infection was associated with CD4+ T-cell counts of <350 cells/mm3 [adjusted odds ratio (ORadj): 24.5], age of 18-25 years (ORadj: 23.2), the non-use of condoms during the last 6 months (ORadj: 10.2), a self-reported history of a sexually transmitted infection (ORadj: 9.4), and having two or more sexual partners during the last year (ORadj: 6.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Although we observed a low prevalence of CT infection among women with HIV, younger age was associated with a high risk of infection. Therefore, it may be appropriate to include screening for CT as part of the routine care for this population.