1Dept. of Pathology, Basveshwara Medical College Hospital & research Center, S.J.M.I.T Campus, Chitradurga, Karnataka
2Dept. of Microbiology, Basveshwara Medical College Hospital & research Center, S.J.M.I.T Campus, Chitradurga, Karnataka
Online published on 15 January, 2013.
Little current information is available for prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among pregnant women. Testing for (STIs), like HIV, HBsAg and Syphilis in pregnancy and labor is medically indicated to prevent vertical transmission.
1. To assess the prevalence of STIs among pregnant women.
2. To study the socio-economic and demographic correlates of STIs
This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare teaching center for
a period of one year.
One thousand one hundred and seventy five antenatal attendees for their routine antenatal checkups and labor were tested. We tested anti HIV 1 & 2 and HBsAg using the appropriate Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). HIV infection was confirmed using standard immunoblotting technique. Regarding HBV we tested for surface antigen (HBsAg) by immunochromatographic method. The rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test was used for estimation syphilis infection.
The data entry was carried out using Microsoft Office Excel worksheet and
was statistically analyzed by software WINK SDA.
Out of one thousand one hundred and seventy five samples tested 22 (1.9%), 43 (3.7%) and 05 (0.4%) were found to be seropositive for HIV 1 & 2, HBsAg and syphilis respectively. The prevalence rate by age, marital status, literacy status, religion and social class were also correlated.
Timely detection and effective counseling can prevent vertical transmission of STIs to the offspring. There is a need for series of surveys in this area to monitor regularly how this population is responding to prevention programmes focused on STIs.
Antenatal attendees, HBsAg, HIV 1 & 2, syphilis, Seroprevalence, factors associated
