Skin Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections among Patients with HIV infection/AIDS referred at the City Institute for Skin and Venereal Diseases in Belgrade: a Case Series of 38 Patients

Abstract

AbstractHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may be associated with a wide spectrum of dermatological disorders. This study reports the prevalence of dermatologic diseases and sexually transmitted infections among 38 HIV-infected adults who consecutively sought treatment at the City Institute for Skin and Venereal Diseases in Belgrade. Patients were referred by their primary HIV providers between January 2011 and June 2012. More than 80% of patients were men who have sex with men. The most prevalent diseases were anogenital warts (36.8%) and syphilis (34.2%), followed by folliculitis and dermatophyte infections (7.9% each). Thirty-four patients (89.5%) were on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) before the first visit to the dermatologist. Although, the pattern of skin disorders was consistent with literature data, high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among our patients was rather peculiar. These facts point to the need for education of sexually active persons with HIV about the consequences of sexually transmitted infections, risks of transmission of drug resistant HIV strains, as well as safe sex practice and consistent condom use.