A Study of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Dermatological Manifestations in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients

Abstract

Background: The majority of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients develop skin lesions at some point during the course of the disease. The occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may increase the transmission and progression of HIV. Hence, it is essential to study the various infectious and noninfectious dermatoses. Objectives: (1) To study the various STDs and to familiarize with the atypical presentation of various STDs in HIV infected individuals. (2) To study clinical and epidemiological aspects of various dermatological manifestations in HIV infected individuals. (3) To identify dermatological manifestations as indicators (markers) of HIV/acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome progression. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted on known HIV-positive individuals attending the outpatient department of Dermatology in Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, with symptoms suggestive of skin disease or sexually transmitted infections. A detailed clinical history and physical examination were done in all cases. Wherever necessary, relevant investigations were done to confirm the diagnosis in patients. Statistical analysis used: Results were tabulated and analyzed using simple statistical methods. Results: A total of 500 patients were recruited in the study among whom 363 (72.6%) had only dermatological manifestations, 127 (25.4%) had sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and 10 (2%) had overlap manifestations. The majority of them were in the age group of 28–37 years. The most common STI observed was herpes genitalis, followed by genital warts and genital molluscum contagiosum. Pruritic Papular Dermatoses were found to be the most common noninfectious dermatosis. Conclusions: There is a need to know the atypical manifestations of various dermatoses in HIV patients, as these conditions may pose a diagnostic dilemma to the treating dermatologist. This ensures correct diagnosis and the necessary treatment.