New Delhi: Prevalence rates of sexually transmitted infections are 9.3 percent and 1.7 percent (STI) And hiv found among the 12,978 people who participated respectively Security Clinic At the Apex Regional STD Center at Safdarjung Hospital during a five-year period (January 2018 to December 2022). This has come to light in a study recently published in the Brazilian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Suraksha Clinic is a chain of STI/RTI clinics set up by National AIDS Control Organization ,nose) to provide advanced sexual health services and prevent HIV/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in India.

This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of STIs among safety clinic attendees. Of the 12,978 people, 58.92 percent were men and 40.94 percent were women.

In India, the impact is profound, with approximately 6.00 per cent of the adult population battling the effects of STIs.

Researchers concluded that syndromic diagnosisincluding vaginal/cervical discharge (21.22 percent) and genital warts (8.00 percent), highlighting prevalent conditions that require regular screening, early detection and targeted intervention for effective disease control and prevention.

The results revealed a high burden of STIs, with 3.06 percent testing positive for syphilis, 1.74 percent testing positive for HIV, 3.36 percent for gonorrhea, 11.78 percent for chlamydiasis, 1.05 percent for trichomoniasis, 26.24 percent test positive for candidiasis. 9.97 percent for bacterial vaginosis, 7.80 percent for chancroid, 11.64 percent for herpes genitalis and 4.01 percent for other non-STIs.

“The significant prevalence of STIs and HIV in this clinic population underscores the vulnerability of individuals seeking care at the safety clinic. Regular screening and testing for syphilis, other STIs, and HIV is essential to ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment. “This not only benefits affected individuals but is also consistent with broader public health objectives related to disease control and prevention,” the study said.

Researchers have observed a possible decline in the number of patients suffering from STIs during 2020-21, associated with the global COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns, which may be linked to the link between infectious diseases and health care-seeking behavior. Gives rise to a fascinating discussion on the interaction.

According to the World Health Organization, more than thirty different bacteria, viruses and parasites are transmitted sexually. Eight of them have been selected as major causes of sexually transmitted diseases. Of these, four are curable – syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis while the other four are incurable – hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes), HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV). STIs are spread through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral routes.