Motorcycle taxi drivers and sexually transmitted infections in a Peruvian Amazon city

Background: In Iquitos, Peru, motorcycle taxis are a common form of public transportation used both by residents and visitors. Goal: To evaluate the prevalence of factors associated with sexually transmitted disease risk and of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections among motorcycle taxi drivers working in Iquitos, Peru. Study Design: A convenience sample of motorcycle taxi drivers was recruited through street outreach. Participants were confidentially interviewed and provided urine specimens for gonococcal and chlamydial infection testing. Results: A history of sexually transmitted disease (62%) or symptoms in the past year (35%) and of referral of clients to commercial sex workers (60%) was common. The prevalence of gonococcal or chlamydial infection was 3.5%. Conclusions: Motorcycle taxi drivers are a major means of public transportation in Iquitos, Peru, have high personal risks for sexually transmitted disease, and interface often with at-risk persons.