Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A retrospective study at a tertiary care center in central Karnataka.

Abstract

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and these infections, in turn, can increase the risk of HIV transmission.

Materials and methods: A retrospective study of STIs in HIV/AIDS patients was conducted at the outpatient Department of Dermatology, Venerology, and Leprosy, Chigateri General Hospital, and Babuji Hospital attached to JJM Medical College, Davangere, from January 2021 to December 2023. We examined the number and type of STIs, age distribution, gender, occupation, and antiretroviral treatment of patients with HIV/AIDS. The data were presented in a descriptive analysis.

Results: The percentage of STI patients was 8.9% of all patients with HIV/AIDS in the outpatient Department of Dermatology, Venerology, and Leprosy, Chigateri General Hospital, and Babuji Hospital attached to JJM Medical College, Davangere. Most patients were between 31 and 40 years old (40.4%). The male-to-female ratio was 1.74: 1. Viral STIs were more common than bacterial STIs among people with HIV.

Conclusion: Over the years, the trend in STIs has shifted, showing an increase in viral infections and a decline in bacterial infections.