English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) share common route of infection and have high degree of epidemiological similarity with respect to high risk groups with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These conditions are linked with sexually transmitted infections but very less documentation is available regarding HBV and HCV infection in STI patients from this region. METHOD: A total of 278 clinically suspected cases of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) patients attending STI clinic were studied for seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV along with age and sex matched healthy controls. Their age, sex, occupation and literacy level were also studied. RESULTS: The most common age group seeking medical advice belonged to sexually active group (18-40 years). Labourers showed highest prevalence of HBsAg (26.02%), HIV (10.04%) and HCV (5.42%). Higher prevalence of HBsAg (20.16%) and HIV (9.67%) seen in patients having only primary education. Seroprevalence of HBsAg, HIV and anti HCV Ab was 14.38%, 7.55% and 3.23% respectively in STI patients particularly more in ulcerative type whereas in controls their prevalence was 2.87%, 1.07% and 0.35% respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that high prevalence of HBsAg, HIV and HCV is associated with male sex, low educational status and syndromic type of associated STI. An interesting finding is that seroprevalence of HCV is more in ulcerative STI similar to HBV and HIV. It suggests that sexual route of transmission of HCV is likely specially if there is breach in continuity of mucosal surface. KEY WORD: HBV, HCV, HIV, STI clinic attendees, epidemiological markers.