Saudi Journal of Pathology and Microbiology (SJPM)
Volume-3 | Issue-12 | 478-481
Original Research Article
A Study of Seroprevalence of Syphilis in HIV Positive Cases of ICTC at Tertiary Care Centre
Dr. Isha Mehta, Dr. Anil Chaudhary, Dr. G.U Kavathia, Dr. Isha Mehta, Dr. Anil Chaudhary, Dr. G.U Kavathia
Published : Dec. 30, 2018
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is a serious disorder of the immune system
in which the body’s normal defenses against infection break down, leaving it
vulnerable to a host of life-threatening infections. Human immunodeficiency and
Treponema pallidum causative organism of syphilis share mode of transmission and
risk factors. The study was conducted to assess the extent of seropositivity of syphilis
among HIV positive patients at tertiary care hospital in Rajkot from JUNE 2016 to
MAY 2017 and evaluate the need of routine screening for this infection among such
patients. The samples were tested for HIV as per Strategy III of National AIDS control
organization by using different system of testing to establish diagnosis of HIV.
Samples were tested for antibodies to Treponema Pallidum by qualitative Rapid
Plasma Reagine (RPR); reactive samples were retested with quantitative RPR (to rule
out biological false positive samples) and by qualitative Treponema Pallidum
heamagglutination test (TPHA) for confirmation of positive samples. Out of total 300
HIV positive patients, 69.67% were male and 30.00% were female. Only one was
transgender. Out of 300 samples tested, 7(2.33%) samples were positive for syphilis
with 5(2.39%) of male and 2(2.22%) of female patients. Higher prevalence was
observed in age group of 21-30yrs 3(4.62%) and in male patients. We believe our data
could help health professionals to deal better with HIV infected patients. We also
believe our data reinforces the need of prevention programs on HIV transmission,
which also lead to reduction in prevalence of Syphilis.