Data on HIV/AIDS co-infection published by A.M. Mir and colleagues
2009 JUL 14 - (NewsRx.com) -- In this recent report, researchers in Islamabad, Pakistan conducted a study "To measure the prevalence of selected sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among urban men in Pakistan and identify associated factors. A cross-sectional survey of 2400 urban men aged 16-45 years was carried out in six cities of Pakistan." "Respondents were selected through a multistage systematic sampling design. After obtaining informed consent a structured behavioural questionnaire was administered. Blood and urine samples were also collected and tested for HIV (ELISA), HSV-2 (ELISA) syphilis (RPR and TPHA), chlamydia (PCR) and gonorrhoea (PCR). Of the 2383 respondents whose results were received, 4.4% (n = 106) tested positive for at least one of the five STIs. The prevalence of the individual organisms was as follows: syphilis, 1.3%; HIV, 0.1%; HSV-2, 3.4%; gonorrhoea, 0.8% and chlamydia, no cases. Citywise, the highest prevalence was in Karachi (8.5%) followed by Lahore (5.3%), Faisalabad (4.0%) Quetta (4.3%), Rawalpindi (2.5%) and Peshawar (2.0%). At the univariate and multivariate level, older age, less schooling, and having more than four sexual partners were significantly associated with the presence of an STI. 92% of men who tested positive for any STI were asymptomatic. HIV prevalence in Pakistan remains low, however, the emergence of genital herpes is a matter of concern as it could lead to a future conduit for HIV spread," wrote A.M. Mir and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "Health education messages should target less educated segments of society and specifically advocate safe sex practices and early diagnosis." Mir and colleagues published their study in Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI prevalence and associated factors among urban men in Pakistan. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2009;85(3):199-200). For additional information, contact A.M. Mir, Population Council, Pakistan Off, House 7, St. 62, F-6-3, Islamabad, Pakistan. Publisher contact information for the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections is: B M J Publishing Group, British Med Association House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JR, England. Keywords: Pakistan, Islamabad, HIV/AIDS Co-Infection, AIDS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Chlamydia Trachomatis, Gonorrhea, Gynecology, HIV, HSV-2, Herpesvirus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Bacterial Infection, Infectious Disease, Sexually Transmitted Disease, Virology, Women's Health's. This article was prepared by Virus Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Virus Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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