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HIV infection in male patients attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic
S Suwangool1, S Seriapinan, A Sonjai
1Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
HIV infection is prevalent in heterosexual males attending STD clinics in Thailand, particularly those with syphilis. This highlights the urgent need for HIV/AIDS education and condom use promotion among sex workers and clients.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HIV infection among heterosexual males attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic.
- To investigate associations between HIV seropositivity and syphilis or other STDs.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 352 heterosexual males at Siriraj Hospital from December 1989 to February 1991.
- Participants were screened for HIV antibodies.
- Data on sexual history, including prostitute contact and other STDs, were collected.
Main Results:
- HIV antibody was detected in 6.8% (24/352) of the men studied.
- HIV seropositivity was significantly associated with serologic markers of syphilis (P < 0.05).
- No association was found between HIV infection and current genital ulcers or other STDs.
Conclusions:
- Female-to-male transmission of HIV is high in the presence of STDs, particularly syphilis.
- There is an urgent need for HIV/AIDS education and condom promotion programs in Thailand, targeting sex workers and their clients.
Abstract:
Three hundred and fifty-two heterosexual males, attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic at Siriraj Hospital from December 1989 to February 1991 were studied for the prevalence of HIV infection. Of these, 334 men reported prostitutes as the main source of their sexually transmitted disease. No one had received blood transfusion in the last 5 years, and there was no history of intravenous drug use, homosexuality or bisexuality. HIV antibody was found in the sera of 24 men (6.8%). HIV seropositivity was associated with serologic makers of syphilis (P < 0.05) but was not associated with present genital ulcers on physical examination or other STDs. These data indicate the high rate of female prostitutes to male transmission of HIV infection in the presence of sexually transmitted disease and confirms the relationship between syphilis and HIV infection. HIV/AIDS educational programmes and campaigns to promote condom use among prostitutes and clients are an urgent need in Thailand.