A study of morbidity pattern among prostitutes attending a municipal clinic in Pune

The findings of the present study revealed that out of 200 prostitutes attending a clinic for various ailments, 81.50% were suffering from sexually transmitted diseases (STD) thus posing a potential risk of transmitting these diseases to their clients. Syphilis was found to be the commonest STD afflicting 36.80% of the respondents, the next common being the chancroid (31.28%); 5.52% of the respondents were found to be suffering from concomitant venereal infections. The other important communicable diseases with which some respondents were found to be afflicted, included--tinea infection (3 cases), scabies (2 cases), leprosy (2 cases), pulmonary tuberculosis (4 cases) and upper respiratory tract infection [3 cases). Thus, the prostitutes remain an undisputed potential source of infection not only of STDs but also several other communicable diseases. Therefore, their continuous surveillance, early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and subsequent follow-up should be meticulously carried out. On the other hand the public, particularly the sexually promiscuous individuals must be imparted vigorous health education to avoid exposure to this source.