A retrospective study of the pattern of sexually transmitted infections of patients attending at Dermatology department of a tertiary care Hospital, Assam

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major global health problem. Pattern of STIs vary from place to place depending on various epidemiological factors. It is important to understand the pattern of STI prevailing in the region for proper planning and implementation of control strategies. This study was done with aims and objectives to find out the pattern of STIs, prevalence of STIs, any change in the trend of STIs and incidence of HIV/AIDS in STIs. Method: This is a retrospective study of patients attending to STI clinic attached to department of Dermatology and Venereology, FAAMCH, Assam from January 2013 to December 2017. The data were analysed epidemiologically for the pattern and prevalence of STIs. Result: Out of total 1360 new STI attendees 503 were diagnosed to have STI with male to female ratio of 1:1.3. Majority of patients were in the age group of 21-30 years, married and heterosexual. The STIs observed in our study was Cervico-vaginal discharge (26.83%), Genital herpes (24.85%), Genital wart(14.31%), Urethral Discharge (11.72%), Genital Molluscum Contagiosum (8.15%), Genital scabies (7.35%), GUD-NH (5.56%), and LAP (1.19%). Prevalence of HIV and PLHA presenting with STI and new sero positive cases detected was 6.95%. Conclusion: The persistent and recurrent nature of viral infections is responsible for their increasing trend in the current STI scenario. STs being higher in married individuals implies the importance of contact tracing, counselling and early management of the partners.