Prevalence of four sexually transmitted pathogens and risk factors related to oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse among informal female sex workers from Tshwane, South Africa, 2022.

This article focuses on the prevalence and associated factors of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs) operating in informal settings in Tshwane, South Africa. In a cross-sectional study of 200 FSWs, 26.5% were found to have at least one STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), or Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), with infections detected primarily at genital sites but also at rectal and pharyngeal sites. Substance use and inconsistent condom use with paying clients were significantly associated with higher STI prevalence. The findings highlight the need for targeted, comprehensive STI screening and prevention programs addressing both genital and extragenital infections among this high-risk population.