EMERGING TREND OF SYPHILIS IN STD CLINIC ATTENDEES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH-EAST INDIA.
Main Article Content
Keywords
RPR, Syphilis, Seroprevalence, STI clinic, TPHA.
Abstract
Background: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), caused by Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum. Increasing trend of syphilis infection has been observed in North-East India in recent years.
Aim: To study the prevalence of syphilis infection among the STD clinic attendees.
Settings and Design: This retrospective study was conducted in Gauhati Medical College & Hospital, a tertiary care hospital from April 2020 to September 2021 considering the OPD attendees of STD clinic, Department of Dermatology.
Material and Method: Blood samples received from STD clinic attendees were analysed for the study. The serum samples were subjected to qualitative RPR test followed by quantitative RPR and TPHA using standard procedure. Samples which were reactive by both quantitative RPR and TPHA were considered as seropositive for syphilis.
Statistical Analysis: Carried out with Microsoft Office Excel.
Results: The seroprevalence of syphilis was found to be 10.61%. Higher seroprevalence was noted among the sexually active age groups (21-40 yrs). Males showed higher seroprevalence indicating high risk behaviour (MSM) and unsafe sexual practices.
Conclusion: Prevalence of syphilis is quite high amongst the STI clinic attendees in our hospital which can be reduced by behaviour modification, promoting safe sexual practices, enhanced case detection, treatment and follow up.
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Dutta Ridip
Department of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College & Hospital, Guwahati, Assam.
Kataki Monjuri
Department of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College & Hospital, Guwahati, Assam.
Hazarika Suranjana C
Department of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College & Hospital, Guwahati, Assam.
Taw Mansh J
Department of Microbiology, Pragjyotishpur Medical College & Hospital, Guwahati, Assam.