Trend of sexually transmitted infections in HIV seropositive and seronegative male patients attending STD clinic at a tertiary care centre

HIV infection is emerging as one of the major health problems faced by the clinicians across the world, more so because of the co-existence of many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among HIV infected patients. Untreated STIs increases the risk of both acquisition and transmission of HIV infection by ten folds. Hence, the present study was undertaken to determine the current trend of STIs among male patients attending STI clinics and their association with HIV infection.

A total of 100 patients who visited the STD clinic with complaints of sexually transmitted infections were included in the study. A detailed history, clinical examination and relevant investigations including HIV test were done to diagnose the infection. The results were tabulated by dividing the study subjects into two groups (HIV positive and Negative group).

Most of the patients were in reproductive age group, majority of them had multiple sex partners, and condom usage rate was very low. Viral infections like Genital herpes and genital wart were the most common STI s. A significant association was seen between viral STI s and HIV infection. No significant association were seen between ulcerative STI s and HIV infections.

Trend of STIs has gradually changed over the years, with decline in the incidence of bacterial infections and increase in the prevalence of viral infections. There is increased association of viral STI s with HIV positive patients.