Prevalence of Syphilis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus in expatriates in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Author:
Eihab A. Abdel Aziz
;
Mousa AlAzzawi
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2016;33(4):613-618
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Data on the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in the United Arab Emirates
(UAE) is lacking and scarce. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of both
Treponema pallidum (causative agent of syphilis) and HIV infections among expatriates in
Sharjah, UAE. The study group (N = 20,670) included expatriate workers of both sexes
undergoing mandatory pre-employment testing between May and June 2014. Detection of
specific antibodies to Treponema pallidum and HIV antigens and antibodies was conducted
using commercially available kits. Of the 20,670 samples screened for syphilis, one hundred
and five (0.51%) tested positive. Expatriates from India (30.5%), Pakistan (25.7%), and
Bangladesh (15.2%) showed the highest infection rate with T. pallidum. Moreover, three age
groups were most affected with syphilis and a significant correlation was noted between age
and T. pallidum infections (x2 = 76.23; p = 0.001). Furthermore, an association was also
observed between gender and infection with T. pallidum (x2 = 3.37; p = 0.04). Of the 20,670
samples screened for HIV, three samples (0.014%) tested positive for HIV antibodies and
antigen. The results were consequently confirmed by western blot assay. The prevalence of
infection with T. pallidum and HIV was determined for the first time among expatriates in
Sharjah providing policymakers with data which could be used to develop appropriate
prevention and control strategies.
- Full text:P020170123500778066368.pdf
