Attending STI Clinics Research Articles

Exploration of Barriers and Possible Solutions for Nonutilization of Facility-based Integrated Counseling and Testing Center Using the Delphi Technique.

A major group of the population, especially antenatal checkup (ANC) mothers and their spouses, people admitted for surgery, and people attending STI clinics, are reluctant to pretest counseling. This study has been taken up to explore the barriers and possible solutions to improve the utilization of Facility based integrated counseling and testing center (F-ICTC) counseling services. Phase 1: In-depth interview and ranking with stakeholders from the F-ICTC center (n = 13) were conducted to identify the barriers to utilization of F-ICTC and solution for the same. Phase 2. Delphi panel with experts (n = 17) was invited through mail to find out the potential solution to improve the utilization of F-ICTC counseling services. Possible barriers from the stakeholders' perspectives were fear of the disease, violate the privacy, unacceptance, gender bias, fear of social stigma and discrimination, and neglect attached to the disease. At third round of Delphi experts had arrived at a consensus regarding of following possible potential solutions: 1. Those who refuse pretest counseling they should be asked to answer a set of questions(which are usually told during counseling), only those questions not answered correctly by them can be corrected, 2.conducive hospital environment, 3.zero discrimination policy, 4. group counseling for ANC mothers and patients in waiting area of the hospital,5. phone counseling for unwilling patients and relocation of testing center and health education camping. Context-specific proactive evidence-based intervention will help in improving the proper utilization of the F-ICTC center.

Sexual behavioral factors of the subjects visiting the clinic of sexually transmitted infections in Northern Finland: A cross-sectional study among 775 subjects.

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are among the most common infections globally. However, the sexual behavioral factors and sexual history of people visiting STI clinics have only been surveyed in a few studies. We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the patients visiting the open STI clinic. This is a prospective observational study performed in the STI clinic in the premises of Department of Dermatology, Oulu University Hospital. All individuals (n = 775) attending the STI clinic between February and August 2022 were included to the study and the profile of the patients was evaluated. We found that the majority of the STI clinic attendees (58.5%) were female. Mean age of the study population was 28.9 years, with females being significantly younger than males (p < 0.001). Only one-third (30.6%) of the patients reported having symptoms at the time of attending. Most commonly, patients had had one sex partner in the last 6 months. However, one-fifth (21.7%) reported several sex partners (over four). Almost half of the patients (47.6%) reported using a condom only randomly. Those with heterosexual orientation had fewer multiple-sex partners (p < 0.001) than those with homo- or bisexual orientation (p < 0.05). It is important to increase knowledge about the profile of STI clinic visitors to effectively target STI prevention on the groups at the highest risk of STIs.

Newly diagnosed HIV and use of HIV-PrEP among non-western born MSM attending STI clinics in the Netherlands: a large retrospective cohort study.

The World Health Organization recommends HIV-PrEP for all people at risk for HIV infection, which includes men who have sex with men (MSM). Substantial part of new HIV diagnoses in the Netherlands are in non-western born MSM. This study evaluated new HIV diagnoses and reported PrEP use among non-western born MSM and compared it to western-born MSM. To inform public health efforts in the context of equitable PrEP access, we further assessed sociodemographic factors related to higher HIV risk and lower PrEP use among non-western born MSM. Surveillance data of consultations among MSM in all Dutch STI-clinics (2016-2021) were analyzed. STI-clinics provide PrEP via the national pilot-program since August 2019. In non-western born MSM (born in Eastern-Europe/Latin-America/Asia/Africa/Dutch-Antilles/Suriname), sociodemographic factors were evaluated for association with HIV (by multivariable generalized estimating equations) and reported PrEP use in the past 3 months (by multivariable logistic regression; restricted to an at-risk for HIV person-level data-subset from August 2019). New HIV infections were diagnosed among 1.1% (493/44,394) of non-western born MSM-consultations (vs. 0.4% among western-born MSM, 742/210,450). Low education (aOR: 2.2, 95%CI: 1.7-2.7, vs. high education) and age under 25 years (aOR: 1.4, 95%CI: 1.1-1.8, vs. age above 35 years) were associated with new HIV diagnoses. PrEP use in the past 3 months was 40.7% in non-western born MSM (1,711/4,207; 34.9% among western-born MSM, 6,089/17,458). PrEP use was lower among non-western born MSM aged under 25 years (aOR: 0.3, 95%CI: 0.2-0.4), living in less urban areas (aOR: 0.7, 95%CI: 0.6-0.8), and having low education level (aOR: 0.6, 95%CI: 0.5-0.7). Our study confirmed that non-western born MSM are an important key population in HIV prevention. Access to HIV prevention, including HIV-PrEP, should be further optimized to all non-western born MSM at risk for HIV, and specifically to those who are younger, live in less urban areas, and have a low education level.

Examining the impacts of a syphilis awareness campaign among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in British Columbia, Canada.

Syphilis rates have increased in BC and disproportionately affect gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). A social marketing campaign (Syphistory) ran from January to September 2017 with the primary goal of increasing syphilis knowledge and a secondary goal of increasing syphilis screening among gbMSM in BC. We used pre- and post-campaign surveys to assess changes in syphilis knowledge from a convenience sample of clients attending STI clinics using one-sided t-tests. We used online Piwik metrics to examine the campaign reach, and provincial testing data to examine trends in syphilis screening. We used data from the Engage Study to examine factors associated with campaign awareness and associations with syphilis testing. Of the 2155 visitors to the Syphistory website with known geography, 79.4% were from BC. Moreover, STI clinic participants who saw the campaign demonstrated a greater knowledge of syphilis (9.7/12, 80.8%) than those who did not see the campaign (mean 8.9/12, 74%) (p < 0.001). Provincial syphilis testing rates were 8764 and 9749 in the 12 months before and after the campaign; however, we did not find an overall trend in testing before versus after the campaign (p = 0.147). Among Engage participants, 12.7% reported seeing the campaign and we found an association between campaign exposure and recent syphilis testing (aOR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.51, 4.93). gbMSM who saw the campaign were more likely to report being tested for syphilis in the previous 6 months. STI clinic attendees who reported seeing the campaign also had higher syphilis knowledge compared to those who did not.

Upward trends of syphilis in the non-pregnant adults: A six-year report on clinical and epidemiological profile of syphilis from a tertiary care center, India.

Since 2000, a resurgence of syphilis has been noted in many developed and developing countries, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). Incidence and prevalence of syphilis in pregnant women have been reduced drastically by mandatory screening in early pregnancy. Insufficient data in other populations especially from developing countries limit targeted public health interventions. This study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of serologically confirmed syphilis cases among the non-pregnant high-risk group reporting to a tertiary care center in Southern India. A retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care center in Southern India for 6 years from 2015 to 2020. A total of 265 serologically confirmed syphilis patients were included. A statistically significant increase in positivity from 0.52 to 2.1% was observed in this study (2015 to 2020). Among risk factors, high-risk behavior with multiple heterosexual partners was the commonest (51.3%), followed by marital partners who tested positive (9.4%) and MSM (7.5%). The majority of the patients were diagnosed at the latent stage (79%), followed by secondary syphilis (10%) and tertiary syphilis (8%). A quarter of patients (23%) were coinfected with HIV. Serological non-responsiveness was more common among HIV infected (47 vs. 24%). Sixteen had neurosyphilis and six had ocular involvement. HIV co-infection complicated 50% (8/16) of neurosyphilis patients. Syphilis is still prevalent, especially in high-risk groups including those are attending STI clinics. Further prospective multicentric studies are needed to identify and implement public health measures.

Low Macrolide and Fluoroquinolone Susceptibility in Non-pathogenic Neisseriae in the General Belgian Population and STI Clinic Attendees

Low Macrolide and Fluoroquinolone Susceptibility in Non-pathogenic Neisseriae in the General Belgian Population and STI Clinic Attendees

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men accessing STI clinics: Optimizing HIV PrEP implementation.

BackgroundGay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) who attend STI clinics represent an easily accessible population for promoting HIV prevention interventions. We examined characteristics of gbMSM STI clinic attendees to identify those who could most benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).SettingGbMSM STI clinic attendees in British Columbia (BC), CanadaMethodsA clinical electronic charting system of STI clinics in BC was used to identify gbMSM from 2004 to 2017. Incident HIV cases were defined as testers who had at least one HIV-negative test and a subsequent HIV-positive test. Seroconversion rates were calculated by risk factor variables and by year. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify independent predictors of HIV seroconversion.ResultsThere were 9,038 gbMSM included, of whom 257 HIV seroconverted over the study period and 8,781 remained negative HIV testers, contributing 650.8 and 29,591.0 person-years to the analysis, respectively. The overall rate of seroconversion was 0.85 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 0.75–0.96). Incidence rates were higher among patients reporting >5 partners in the previous six months, inconsistent condom use, or having a partner living with HIV and who had a previous or concurrent diagnosis of rectal gonorrhea or rectal chlamydia. gbMSM presenting with two STIs such as rectal gonorrhea and syphilis (3.59/100 person-years [95%CI: 2.33–5.22]) or rectal chlamydia and syphilis (3.01/100 person-years [95%CI: 2.00–4.29]) had the highest incidence rates.ConclusiongbMSM with preceding or concurrent rectal STI diagnoses or syphilis had higher rates of HIV seroconversion. The data support the inclusion of specific STI diagnoses as an indication for PrEP.

A pilot study to determine Neisseria gonorrhoeae-Chlamydia trachomatis coinfection rates in symptomatic patients attending STI Clinics, New Delhi, India.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis are the two most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infections. For over two decades, treatment guidelines have recommended empirical co-treatment for N.gonorrhoeae and C.trachomatis as symptoms overlap and co-infection is common. Studies from India estimating the same are limited and mostly based on conventional techniques. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of N.gonorrhoeae and C.trachomatis coinfection using nucleic acid amplification tests. Further, we assessed the utility of pus cell estimation in Gram stained smears as a screening tool for inclusion of samples for molecular diagnosis. This was a prospective study conducted at two tertiary care hospitals; 100 patients (55 females and 45 males) with genitourinary discharge attending STI clinics were recruited, and endocervical or urethral swabs were collected. PCRs for N.gonorrhoeae and C.trachomatis were put up. In addition, microscopy and culture for gonococcus was performed followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 16 software. N.gonorrhoeae infection was more common than C.trachomatis. A total of 14 patients were positive by PCR (9 males and 5 females) for gonococcus. However, culture was positive only in 8 male patients. PCR for C.trachomatis was positive in 9 (4 males and 5 females) and the co-infection rate was 5%. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of pus cell estimation was 100% for males and 64% and 94.6% respectively for females. All isolates were susceptible to extended spectrum cephalosporins and azithromycin. The sample size of the study was small. Frequency of N.gonorrhoeae/C.trachomatis coinfection in symptomatic STI patients is low. Coinfection is considerably overestimated and necessary confirmation of etiological diagnosis could reduce widespread empirical administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Oropharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis in women; spontaneous clearance and cure after treatment (FemCure)

ObjectivesWomen attending STI clinics are not routinely tested for oropharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections. We aimed to assess spontaneous clearance of oropharyngeal CT and cure after antibiotic treatment in women.MethodsWomen...

A study of seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus infection in STI clinic attendees

Background: Herpes simplex virus infections are prevalent worldwide. They are caused by Herpes simplex virus Type-1 (HSV-1) and type-2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 causes orolabial disease. Genital herpes may be caused by either HSV-2 or HSV-1, large majority of cases being caused by HSV-2. HSV-1 is acquired during early childhood by most of the individuals. The acquisition of HSV-2 starts around puberty or thereafter. The ability of the virus to successfully avoid clearance by the immune system by entering a non-replicating state known as latency leads to life long persistence of infection with unpredictable reactivation and transmission. Detecting antibodies plays an important role in identifying those infected. Type specific tests have been developed that are based on the protein Glycoprotein G from HSV-2 (gG2) or Glycoprotein G from HSV-1 (gG1). As very limited sequence homology exists between gG1 and gG2, assays based on detecting these type specific epitopes using ELISA can reliably differentiate between antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2. Objectives 1. To study the Seroprevalence of Herpes simplex virus infection in patients attending the STI clinic.2. To study the risk factors and other socioepidemiological factors associated with HSV-2 seropositivity.3. To study the seroprevalence of HSV infection in HIV positive individuals.4. To study the proportion of subclinical seropositives for HSV infection. Material and methods: The study was carried out from July 2017 to June 2019. All patients reporting to DVL OPD at GITAM institute of Medical sciences & Research, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh were examined and evaluated. 82 consecutive patients of both sexes with STI complaints, in the age group of 15-70 years were studied. Patients with genital herpes as well as patients with other STI complaints including both HIV positive and HIV negative patients were included in the study.With prior permission from ethical committee and consent from patients, blood samples were collected and tested for HSV-1 IgG and IgM antibodies and HSV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies.Results: Out of 82 patients 42 (51%) were females and 40 (49%) were males; 41 (50%) were HIV positive and the other 41(50%) were HIV negative.Out of 82 patients, 39(47.6%) had genital herpes and 43 (52.5%) had other STDs which include genital candidiasis (18.3%), non specific urethritis (13.4%), Condyloma acuminate (14.6%) and genital molluscum contagiosum (6.1%).Out of 82 patients, 2(2.4%) were seropositive for HSV-1 IgM and 68 (82.9%) were seropositive for HSV-1 IgG.Out of 82 patients, 4(5%) were seropositive for HSV-2 IgM and 40(48.8%) are seropositive for HSV-2 IgG.Out of 39 patients with genital herpes 21(53.8%) were seropositive for HSV-2 and out of 43 patients with other STDs without genital herpes 19 (44.2%) were seropositive for HSV-2, indicating that the proportion of subclinical seropositivity was 44.2% in our studyConclusion: From our study we conclude that Herpes simplex virus infection is common in STI clinic attendees in our hospital. Prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 serum antibodies provide an epidemiological measure of population burden of these infections. The high seroprevalence of HSV-2 in HIV patients potentiates the need for regular HSV-2 screening in HIV positive individuals and proper counselling and treatment of HSV-2 seropositives during outbreaks will efficiently lower the frequency of recurrences and decrease the transmission of both HSV and HIV infections.

Compliance and Treatment Outcomes of Various Regimens for Trichomoniasis in Trinidad and Tobago.

Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD) globally and yet is not a reportable disease. Trichomonas vaginalis is an important source of reproductive morbidity and may increase risk of acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Control Disease Center (CDC) recommend various regimens of nitroimidazole s for treatment. The common nitroimidazoles used for trichomoniasis are metronidazole and tinidazole, which vary in their cost, efficacy, and side effect profile. It is relevant to study these factors for better management of the patients. This study aimed to compare and study the efficacy, compliance of various treatment regimens, their outcomes, and side-effects for trichomoniasis, among STI clinic attendees in Trinidad. A clinical trial study was designed, and after obtaining the informed consent, a routine clinical examination was conducted and the swabs for trichomoniasis tests were collected for diagnosis from the 692 participants. Out of 692 participants, 82 patients with positive diagnosis of Trichomonas infection were treated according to the patient’s choice, using different drug regimens. Compliance to treatment, side effects, and outcome were evaluated. The prevalence of trichomoniasis in the population attending our STI clinic is 11.9% and prevalence of HIV is 9%. Of the total 82 participants for the treatment, 80% were females; nearly 90% of the patients belonged to age group 15–45 years, and over 60% were below 30 years. Among those diagnosed for Trichomonas vaginalis, 14.6% had coexistent HIV infection. The compliance with respect to single dose treatment was significantly better than the long-duration oral regimen and has a significant relation with side effects of the treatment. The outcome is generally better and comparable and shows no significant difference between different treatment regimens used in the study. Metronidazole and tinidazole are commonly used drugs in various regimens. Compliance is better with those treated with tinidazole and metronidazole single dose than with other groups. Outcome is comparable between these regimens, especially when combined with other important factors like abstinence and treatment of the partners. The treatment regimens mainly differed in the compliance side effects profile and duration of therapy, which suggests that to improve the compliance of the drugs with fewer side effects, short course regimen would be a preferred choice.

Evaluating the impact of health reforms in the Netherlands: Assessing the impact of an alcohol ban on sexually transmitted infections in national surveillance data

BackgroundOn 1 January 2014, the minimum age to buy alcohol increased (16–18 years), accompanied by a public awareness campaign (NIX18). Decreases in alcohol consumption are associated with less risky sexual behaviour. This study analyzed the association between the health reforms andChlamydia trachomatis infections (chlamydia) among young heterosexual people. MethodsChlamydia positivity rates, age, and gender from all STI-clinic attendees between 16 and 19 years old in the Netherlands of 2010 to 2016 were obtained. Interrupted time-series assessed immediate and gradual trends in chlamydia rates. ResultsAmong the control group (18–19 year olds) chlamydia rates increased 0.5% each post-ban month (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.002–1.008, p = .001). Among 16–17 year olds there was no monthly increase post-ban (Rate Ratio 1.000, 95% CI 0.993–1.007, p = .948). In terms of confounders, only controlling for partner notification dissolved these time trends. ConclusionsWe found that chlamydia rates after the alcohol ban differed between 16–17 year olds and 18–19 year olds. This demonstrates that the health reforms might have affected this secondary outcome, but obtaining certainty using national surveillance data is difficult. Specific studies should be designed, as now changes in chlamydia over time could be explained by STI-clinic policy changes, by changes on an individual level including reduced alcohol consumption or most likely by the combination of these factors.

Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections/Sexually Transmitted Infections and Their Determinants in Women of Reproductive Age Group, Attending STI Clinic at a Private Hospital Care Centre in Nanded District of Maharashtra State, India

Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections/Sexually Transmitted Infections and Their Determinants in Women of Reproductive Age Group, Attending STI Clinic at a Private Hospital Care Centre in Nanded District of Maharashtra State, India

STIs in sex partners notified for chlamydia exposure: implications for expedited partner therapy

ObjectivesExpedited partner therapy (EPT) may reduce chlamydia reinfection rates. However, the disadvantages of EPT for chlamydia include missing the opportunity to test for other STIs and unnecessary use of antibiotics...

Hepatitis B virus infection among sexually active individuals in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

IntroductionHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health challenge in sub-Saharan African countries. Chronic HBV infection is a risk factor for severe disease progression. Perinatal and sexual transmissions of Hepatitis B virus are the main routes of infection in HBV endemic countries like Nigeria. However, there is paucity of data as regards the major contributory route of transmission to chronic HBV infection in this region. Also, in Nigeria, not everyone at high risk of the infection has been identified. Therefore our study investigated the prevalence of HBV infection among sexually active individuals in Nigeria.MethodsBlood samples collected from 463 participants (360 sexually active individuals and 103 teenagers) recruited from health institutions across the country were tested for the presence of HBsAg, and HBV nucleic acid related antigen (HBVNRAg) by ELISA. Positive samples were further tested for the presence of HBeAg and antiHBe by ELISA. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and binary logistic regression at p = 0.05.ResultsHBsAg and HBVNRAg were detected in 10.4% and 7.6% of the participants respectively. STI clinic attendees had the highest prevalence for HBsAg (17%; p = 0.002). Teenagers had the lowest HBsAg (1.9; p = 0.002) and HBVNRAg (2.9%; p = 0.0001) prevalence rates. Male gender (p = 0.01) and reproductive age group (p=0.009) were the major predictors of chronic HBV infection.ConclusionSexual transmission was identified as the major contributor to chronic HBV infection. Sexually active individuals especially those with STIs are high risk groups for chronic HBV infection. Interventions targeted at this group is therefore recommended.

A study on knowledge and protective practices of STIs among patients attending tertiary care center at Bikaner, Rajasthan

Introduction: The increased risk of the transmission of HIV is known to be associated with the presence of STIs and despite the presence of the National STI Control Program in India the number of people with STIs remains high. More than 1 million people acquire a STI every day. The true prevalence of STIs can never be known because of inadequate reporting due to secrecy and stigma associated with them and most of them are not even notifiable. Objectives: (1) To study socio-demographic factors of patient's attending STI clinic (2) To assess knowledge of patients about STI/HIV. (3) To assess protective practices of patients towards STIs. Material and Methods: This cross sectional was conducted in STI clinic, PBM hospital, Bikaner from Dec 2014- Jan 2016 using pre-tested and pre-structured questionnaire. The study variables were analyzed using Epi-Info7 software with application of Mean, Proportion and OR, Chi-square. Results: Out of 97 patients 83.5% knew about STIs. 79.4% reported having knowledge about symptoms of STIs and most common symptom reported was itching over genitals and discharge (85.5%). Statistically significant difference was present between male and female patient's knowledge about premarital sex as a factor for acquisition of STIs. 79.3% were using condoms to protect from STIs. The difference was statistically significant between knowledge and practice regarding condom use (χ2 = 6.544, df=1, p=0.01). Statistically significant difference was present between male and female patients practice regarding regular visit to STI clinic. Conclusion: Knowledge of patients regarding protective practices is not matching with their protective behavior.

Trichomonas vaginalis Prevalence and Correlates in Women and Men Attending STI Clinics in Western Canada.

Trichomonas vaginalis prevalence (2.8%) in female sexually transmitted infection clinic attendees was within the prevalence of chlamydia (5.8%) and gonorrhea (1.8%), while being very low for male attendees (0.2%). Correlates among women were indigenous ethnicity, other ethnicity, and being symptomatic.

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Mycoplasma genitalium among STI clinic attendees in Western Canada: a cross-sectional analysis

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and correlates of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) infection among men and women, determine the prevalence of gene mutations conferring resistance and compare test performance of female specimen...

A retrospective study on the incidence of non-venereal genital dermatoses in patients attending STI clinic at a tertiary care centre

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; To study the clinical and epidemiological pattern of occurrence of non-venereal genital dermatoses among the patients attending STI clinic. Also an attempt was made to know the level of awareness among the patients studied and the level of psychological impact on the affected persons before they were diagnosed as anon venerealdermatoses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A study was conducted among 125 patients who attended the STI Clinic in a tertiary care center in a period of 6 months. Detailed history was taken along with complete physical examination and local examination.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; 125 patients attended the STI Clinic. Among them 75 patients [40 males and 35 females] were diagnosed to have Non venereal genital dermatoses. A total of 14 different non venereal dermatoses were observed in our study The commonest age group affected were in the age group of 30-40 year. The most common non-venereal dermatoses in females in our study were Lichen sclerosuset atrophicus and in males were fixed drug eruptions Pearly penile papules. Mild anxiety and concern about the genital lesions were found in almost all the males and females.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; A prompt and correct diagnosis of non-venereal genital dermatoses needs a greater clinical acumen along with various investigative methods Patient must be treated as a whole rather than treating the disease alone. The complete successful outcome lies not only in treating the disease but also treating the patient as a whole allying his undue fears, stress and misconceptions. &lt;/p&gt;

A clinico-epidemiological study of herpes genitalis in a tertiary care institution in Northern Kerala

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;Herpes genitalis, has assumed greater importance, being the most common genital ulcer disease nowadays. Hence we aimed to study and analyse the epidemiology of herpes genitalis among STI clinic attendees of our institution during the three year study period.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;Previous case records of those who attended the STI clinic of our tertiary care institution with herpes genitalis from 2009 January to 2011 December were reviewed, data collected and studied&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;87 of the 530 patients (16.4%) who attended our STI clinic during the three year study period were diagnosed to have herpes genitalis. Females (57) outnumbered males (30) and majority of the affected belonged to the 20-39 age group (58/87, 66.7%). The common clinical types noted were primary herpes genitalis in females (38/57, 66.7%) and recurrent herpes genitalis (15/30, 50%) in males. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;The facts that all female patients except one were married, only 7.7 % of female patients had either EMC or PMC and many had developed symptoms within one year of their marriage, indicated that marital contact is the commonest cause of herpes genitalis in females in this locality. Significant percentage of primary herpes occurring in pregnant females points to the necessity of pre-marital counselling regarding various STIs and their respective modes of transmission. The study also indicated that males tend to get recurrences for a more prolonged period (2 months to 30 years) , compared to females ( 2 months to 5 years).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;