Syphilis and HIV-1 among parturient women in Salvador, Brazil: Low prevalence of syphilis and high rate of loss to follow-up in HIV-infected women

Abstract

Background: The occurrence of syphilis and HIV-1 infections during pregnancy are major risks to the fetus due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Objectives: To determine peripartum seroprevalence and risk factors of syphilis and HIV-1 infection among pregnant women in Salvador, Brazil, and the rate of HIV-1 MTCT. Methods: Cross-sectional study of pregnant women who were admitted for delivery in a reference maternity hospital between May 2008 and March 2009 was conducted. Women were screened for HIV-1 infection and syphilis, and interviewed regarding demographic, behavioral and obstetric data. Newborns to HIV-infected mothers were tested by b-DNA and DNA-PCR to detect HIV-1. Results: A total 3300/8516 women were evaluated. Mean age was 25.8. ±. 7.3 years. HIV-1 and syphilis seroprevalence rates were 0.84% (28/3300) and 0.51% (17/3300), respectively. HIV-1 infection was associated with: low education ( p=0.04), having a partner with known HIV infection ( p