High Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in patients with HIV-infection.

Abstract

Background: Sexual transmitted infections (STI) are an important health problem and increase the risk for acquisition and transmission of HIV. We aimed to identify STIs diagnosed in patients with known HIV infection (group A) and in newly diagnosed ones (group B).Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical charts of individuals attending an STI Clinic, from 2009 to 2013.Results: A total of 680 patients were included, accounting for 7.8% of the patients observed: 329 (48.4%) group A, 351 (51.6%) group B. Male sex was predominant in both groups, and the majority are MSM or bisexual. Group B were significantly younger and more frequently sought attention for screening. Past history of STIs, partner referral, and symptoms were significantly more common in group A.Genital herpes, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, anogenital warts were significantly more frequent in group A, Syphilis was more frequent in group B and Chlamydia trachomatis was similar in both groups. Having more than one STI diagnosed at the same visit (excluding HIV infection in group A) was significantly more common in group A.Conclusion: Patients with known HIV infection presented a higher number of STIs both in the past and present, showing an over-time pattern of high-risk sexual behaviour. Newly diagnosed patients were more frequently MSM and younger, which may show that young people engage in high-risk sexual behaviours that can result in sexually transmitted infections. Intensified and innovative efforts in prevention need to be taken, incorporating STI screening and treatment as a strategy to prevent new STIs in both groups.