Frequency of HIV seropositivity in patients with sexually transmitted infections presenting in the dermatology department of a tertiary care hospital
Introduction As the Human Immunodeficiency virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) continue to advance worldwide, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) rates remain high in much of the world. Each year about 330 million new cases of STIs occur, of which more than 90% are in developing countries. Prevalence of HIV in people effected with STIs is 10 times more as compared to general population i.e. 10% Objectives To determine the frequency of HIV in patients who are presenting for the treatment of STIs in dermatology department of tertiary care hospital. Methods A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology, KEMU/Mayo Hospital, Lahore in collaboration with Punjab AIDS Control Program (PACP) Study was carried out over a period of six months from 20 12 2016 to 19 06 2017. A total of 285 patients were included in the study. Whole blood sample was taken and tested for HIV using kit provided by PACP. Patients were also evaluated and investigated for the type of their STI and medications given for treatment of their STIs. HIV was confirmed by ELISA and they were referred to HIV clinic Mayo hospital, Lahore for further management. Results Mean age of the patients was 30 years. There were 153 males (53.7% 121 females (42.5% while 11 patients (3.8% were hijras. Married patients were 55% and 45% patients were unmarried. Sexual orientation vise there were 8.8% homosexuals, 87.7% heterosexuals and 3.5% bisexuals. Out of 285 patients, 34% used condoms. History of blood transfusion was found in 4% History of IV drug abuse was given by 5% Types of STIs were as follows: warts 36% secondary syphilis 20% scabies 20% tinea cruris 9% vaginal discharge 11% gonorrhoea 2% and genital herpes 3% Majority of the patients (88% had 1 4 sexual partners. HIV positive patients found among these patients with STIs were 24 (8% Conclusion In conclusion, the frequency of HIV among patients with STIs was 8% To prevent HIV/STIs, campaigns promoting condom use are needed to boost the frequency of condom use.