“Pattern of Sexually Transmitted Infections: Treated in A Private Clinic at Dhaka, Bangladesh”

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), continue to present major health, social, and economic problems in the developing world, leading to considerable morbidity, mortality, stigma and long-term disability, economic loss and death throughout the world. Despite the availability of effective treatment and preventive measures, incidence of STIs is increasing even in developed countries. Objectives: To determine the pattern of sexually transmitted infections in patients presenting with genital symptoms. Material and Methods: A cross sectional, descriptive study was carried in the Dermatology-Venereology Clinic of Holy Lab Diagnostic & Consultation Centre, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January to December 2019. During one year period, a total of 140 consecutive cases were enrolled in this study. The diagnosis of infections was made clinically with relevant laboratory investigations and they were interviewed for their sexual behaviour after taking consent and assuring confidentiality. Results: A total of one hundred forty (140) patients who presented with genital symptoms were studied. The average age of this population was 28.84 years (±9.15) and it ranged from 18-58 years. 3.7% belonged to age group 18-27 years, followed by 28-37 years (22.1%); 38-47 yrs (52.8%); 48-57 yrs (18.5%) and > 57 yrs (2.8%). Majority patients of 38-47 yrs 74 cases 52.8%. Males outnumbered females, constituting 76.2% of the total patients, with male to female ratio of 3.37:1. Out of the total 140, some had multiple complaints while others were asymptomatic. Majority cases of burning micturition in both male and female patients 39(24%). Burning micturition and discharge from genitalia was also observed in both sexes. The most frequently encountered infection in both male and female was Gonococcal Urethritis (GU) 42 (30%). The infections were common among both married and unmarried people. Other group of people who had no STI (23.5%) was suffering from venereophobia, pearly penile papules and some form of dermatitis. No case of HIV infection was encountered in this study. Gonococcal Urethritis was common mainly among businessman, transportation worker, security personnel and housewives. Other infections were equally dispersed in all other occupation groups. Conclusions: The prevention and control of STI is based on health education, appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Sexually active people adolescents and young adults should be provided with proper sex education about delaying sex debut and protective measures (correct and consistent use of barrier method during every sexual act) to prevent these infections with especial focus on monogamous relationship.