Effects of sex work on the prevalence of syphilis among injection drug users in 3 Russian cities.

Objectives: We examined risk factors for syphilis infection among injection drug users in 3 Russian Federation cities, focusing particular attention on the potential roles of gender and sex work.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of injection drug users in Moscow, Volgograd, and Barnaul, collecting behavioral data and testing for antibodies to Treponema pallidum. Associations between presence of antibodies to T pallidum and covariates were explored.

Prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis among injecting drug users in Russia: a multi-city study.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis in injecting drug users (IDUs) in Russia.

Methods: Unlinked anonymous cross-sectional survey of 1473 IDUs recruited from non-treatment settings in Moscow, Volgograd and Barnaul (Siberia), with oral fluid sample collection for HIV, HCV antibody (anti-HIV, anti-HCV) and syphilis testing.

Results: Prevalence of antibody to HIV was 14% in Moscow, 3% in Volgograd and 9% in Barnaul.