Prevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis and HIV Infections in Patients with Anogenital Warts: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

There are limited studies on the frequency of other sexually transmitted diseases in patients with anogenital warts (AGWs). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in patients with AGWs. Material and Methods: The data of the patients with AGWs, who applied to our dermatology outpatient clinic between January 2015 and December 2021, were analyzed retrospectively. Serological test results for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis and HIV infections of patients with AGWs were evaluated. Results: Of 765 patients with AGWs, 541 were male and 224 were female. Among 313 patients who underwent hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing, HBsAg positivity was detected in 5 (1.6%) patients. Hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) positivity was detected in 4 (1.2%) of 324 patients who underwent anti-HCV testing. Four (1.3%) of 298 patients who underwent rapid plasma reagin (RPR) for syphilis were positive (RPR titers 1/2, 1/4, 1/16, and 1/128). Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) test was negative in 2 patients. The diagnosis of syphilis was confirmed by TPHA test in 2 patients whose RPR titers were 1/16 and 1/128. Among 344 patients who underwent HIV antibody (anti-HIV) testing, anti-HIV positivity was detected in 16 (4.7%) patients. It was later uncovered that 13 of 16 patients were HIV-infected patients who had been already followed by infectious diseases specialists. Confirmation test for HIV infection was negative in 2 patients and positive in 1 patient. As a result, 14 HIV-positive patients were detected. Conclusion: The patients with AGWs should be evaluated for other sexually transmitted diseases, especially syphilis and HIV infection.