Publication:

Microbiological profile of patients attending sexually transmitted infection/reproductive tract infection clinic in a tertiary care hospital

Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are an important public health problem worldwide. Growing spread of RTIs/STIs are an augmenting factor for HIV transmission. Due to lack of adequate laboratory infrastructure, there is limited data. Hence information regarding STIs lies essentially on syndromic basis.

Methods This was an observational, cross-sectional study carried from June 2016 to September 2016 with sample size of 300 patients attending STI/RTI clinic. Various samples were collected like scrapings, exudates and swabs from ulcerative lesions for microscopy. Urethral, vaginal and cervical swabs for wet mount, gram stain and culture. Blood sample were collected for RPR, TPHA, ELISA HSV II, HIV, HBsAg. Processing and identification of organism as per NACO guidelines.

Results Out of total 300 cases, 255 (85%) are females and 45 (15%) are males. Maximum cases are from 25-44 years age group. Genital discharge syndrome is more common in females while genital ulcerative syndrome more in males. Coinfection with HIV is found in 17% cases. Herpes genitals (20%) is the most common causative agent for ulcerative STIs in males. VDS is the most common syndrome in Females. Candida (27.8%), G. vaginalis (12.2%) and T. vaginalis (3.5%).

Conclusions Viral and fungal STIs are more common than bacterial STIs. Targeted intervention and contact tracing as done for HIV should be effectively emphasised for STI/RTI also. Syndromic approach should be supplemented by Laboratory diagnosis for more effective outcome.