Analysis of the incidence of anogenital warts and serological test results for other sexually transmitted infections

Abstract

Anogenital warts (AGWs) are proliferative lesions mainly presenting in the anal, genital, and perianal regions. They are one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections globally.The study included patients that presented at the Dermatology Clinic of Health Sciences, University Elaziğ, Fethi Sekin City Hospital between January 2019 and December 2022 and were diagnosed with AGWs. Patients that presented with this diagnosis and were screened for other sexually transmitted infections (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, VDRL, and TPHA) were identified. Epidemiological and demographic patient data and the results of serological tests for other sexually transmitted infections in the last 4 years were analyzed. The patient data and examination results were collected retrospectively based on the hospital automated patient records.AGW incidence was significantly higher in males. The mean patient age was 32, and the mean female patient age was lower than that of males. It was observed that the number of patients that were followed up with an AGW diagnosis increased significantly during the last 4 years (p < 0.05). The study detected 2.2% HBsAg, 0.6% TPHA, 0.3% VDRL, 0.5% anti-HCV, and 56.5% anti-HBs positivity. No anti-HIV-positive patients were identified. None of the patients had more than one sexually transmitted infection on serology testing.Although the serological findings were higher when compared to certain studies and quite low when compared to others, it would be beneficial to evaluate all patients with AGWs for other sexually transmitted infections.