Sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Tunisia: high prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) in female sex workers (FSW) in Tunisia.

Methods: 188 prostitutes from three Tunisian towns were enrolled at their weekly medical visit. Demographic and sexual behaviour data were collected.

Genetic analysis of HAV strains in Tunisia reveals two new antigenic variants.

To evaluate the genetic variability of hepatitis A virus (HAV) isolates in Tunisia, serum samples were collected from 99 patients in different Tunisian areas in 2003 containing 92 cases with acute hepatitis, five with severe acute hepatitis and two with fulminant hepatitis. The entire VP1 gene was amplified and sequenced. Sequences were then aligned and a phylogenetic analysis was performed.