Increasing prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection among patients attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases

• Published in: Indian journal of medical research (New Delhi, India : 1994) Vol. 101; pp. 6 - 9
• Main Authors: Jacob, M, John, T J, George, S, Rao, P S, Babu, P G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India 01.01.1995
• Subjects: AIDS/HIV; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Female; HIV Infections - epidemiology; Humans; India - epidemiology; Male; Population; Prevalence; India; Measurement; Prevalence; Laboratory Examinations And Diagnoses; Risk Factors; Southern Asia; Hiv Serodiagnosis; Viral Diseases; Biology; Infections; Hiv Infections; Research Methodology; Examinations And Diagnoses; Diseases; India; Screening; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Asia; Reproductive Tract Infections; Research Report; Developing Countries
• ISSN: 0971-5916

Of 5883 patients screened during 1986 to 1993 in the sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic at a hospital in Vellore, south India, 105 (1.79%) were positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody. The prevalence of HIV infection increased from 0.26 per cent in 1986 to 2.64 per cent in 1993. In 1992 the prevalence was even higher, namely 3.94 per cent. The overall prevalence in these 8 yr was 1.98 per cent among men (n = 4392) and 1.21 per cent among women (n = 1491), the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.05). The prevalence in men rose from 0.36 per cent in 1986 to 4.24 per cent in 1992, and in women from 0 to 3.04 per cent during the same period. The major source of infection in men was female commercial sex workers, but among women it was mostly their husbands. The increase in prevalence of HIV infection is alarming, and indicates that the massive educational campaigns and other preventive measures have not resulted in decreased transmission.