einstein (São Paulo). 01/Jan/2014;12(1):31-5.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in female athletes in São Paulo, Brazil

Maíta Poli de , Henrique Truffa , Tathiana Rebizzi , Natalia Tavares , Graziela Pascom , Ismael Dale Cotrim Guerreiro da , Manoel João Batista Castello , Marair Gracio Ferreira

DOI: 10.1590/S1679-45082014AO2949

Objective

: To determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in female athletes.

Methods

: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted including 50 female athletes with mean age of 20±3 years. Colposcopy, pap smear, and polymerase chain reaction for Chlamydia trachomatis, human papillomavirus and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were performed. Blood samples were collected to test for the human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis, hepatitis B and C. The athletes presenting clinical diseases or conditions identifiable by laboratory tests were treated and followed up in the unit.

Results

: Forty-six percent of the participants were unaware of sexually transmitted diseases. The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among athletes was 48% (24 cases). Human papillomavirus was the most frequent agent (44%). Considering the human papillomavirus genotypes, subtype 16 was the most prevalent (53%), followed by 11-6 (22%) and 18 (13%). Two athletes tested positive for C. trachomatis. There were no cases diagnosed of infection by N. gonorrhoeae, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus. However, only 26 athletes had been vaccinated for hepatitis B.

Conclusion

: The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in female athletes was high. Primary prevention measures (hepatitis B and human papillomavirus vaccination) and secondary (serology, pap smears) must be offered to this specific group of women. The matter should be further approached in sports.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in female athletes in São Paulo, Brazil
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