Characteristics of Sexually Transmitted Infections among High-Risk HIV-Positive Patients Attending an Urban Clinic in Uganda

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) significantly increase HIV transmission. Sexually transmitted infections may be asymptomatic and therefore remain undiagnosed in HIV-positive persons. Routine screening and treatment of STIs in HIV-positive high-risk populations in sub-Saharan Africa have not been described previously. Methods: We reviewed data from an HIVpositive high-risk population at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, a large urban HIV clinic, between July 2011 and April 2012. Our high-risk population cohort included female sex workers, long-distance drivers, barmaids, taxi drivers, commercial motorcycle ''boda-boda'' riders, soldiers, police officers, prison officers, security guards, prisoners, and fishermen. Results: Of 355 participants enrolled in the high-risk population's program, 21.4% were diagnosed with an STI either clinically or microbiologically. The STIs diagnosed in this population were syphilis, hepatitis B, genital herpes, human papilloma virus infection (condylomata acuminata), nongonococcal urethritis (NGU), and gonorrhea. Rates of syphilis, hepatitis B, genital herpes, condylomata acuminata, NGU, and gonorrhea were 8.5%, 7.0%, 5.4%, 1.4%, 1.4%, and 0.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Clinical and microbiologically diagnosed STIs were diagnosed in nearly one-fourth of the HIV-positive high-risk population. HIV care programs should note our high rates of STIs among HIV-positive high-risk populations and consider routine screening and treatment algorithms for these populations in their own settings.

Knowledge and practices related to sexually transmitted infections among women of reproductive age living in Katanga slum, Kampala, Uganda

“…STIs can result in serious long term complications including pregnancy complications, fetal and neonatal demise, cancer, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and enhanced HIV transmission [6][7][8] . In addition, STIs have been shown to have serious physical, psychological and social consequence, negatively impacting on social and economic well being of affected persons [9][10] .…”

Infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e as vivências de mulheres em situação de reclusão

“…Outra investigação avaliou 355 detentos na Uganda e obteve resultados discordantes aos deste estudo, uma vez que, sífilis e HPV foram as infecções mais comuns (18,2% e 9,1%, respectivamente) 13 . Dados norte-americanos são consoantes ao encontrado neste estudo e infere que a tricomoníase é a IST/AIDS mais comumente diagnosticada entre mulheres presidiárias, além de aumentar a probabilidade de transmissão do HIV…”

Trends and Predictors of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Sexually Active Ugandan Female Youths: Evidence from Three Demographic and Health Surveys, 2006-2016

“…Notably, STIs increase the risk of HIV acquisition and are the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among women of reproductive age. (4,12) Moreover, STIs acquired from regular partners account for up to 70% of the burden of female infertility. Through several evidence-based strategies, such as ensuring community awareness on risks, prevention strategies, and treatment of STIs, this high burden of STIs and their effects are largely preventable.…”

“…(3,15) Moreover, routine screening for asymptomatic infection is not performed (16) and a large number of people with STIs remain asymptomatic and therefore undiagnosed. (12) Some studies have been conducted on STIs in Uganda, but few studies have addressed the burden and risk factors among youths aged 15-24 years. Moreover, there is currently no study that has examined the prevalence of STIs among sexually young people using nationally representative data.…”