Male transvestite prostitutes and HIV risk

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1, syphilis, and hepatitis B prevalence and associated risk factors were assessed among male transvestite prostitutes. Structured street-level interviews were conducted with 53 respondents in Atlanta, Ga, from July 1990 through July 1991. Test results from serum samples revealed that 68% were seropositive for HIV-1, 81% had seromarkers for syphilis, and 80% had seromarkers for hepatitis B. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that seromarkers for syphilis and Black race were the primary factors associated with HIV-1 infection. The results show that transvestite prostitutes are a heterogenous population and distinct from nontransvestite prostitutes; specific outreach is thus needed. Targeted interventions should address the sexual and drug-use-related HIV risk behaviors of transvestite prostitutes.