Screening for HBV, HCV, HIV, HSV and Syphilis in reproductive age group women attending a tertiary care hospital in South India

Introduction: Reproductive tract infections (RTI) and Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are the major contributing illnesses among the women of reproductive age group in a developing country like India. Even though preventive measures has been implemented at all health care levels and treatment seeking behavior has increased to a achievable level, still there is a lack of exact epidemiological data about RTI and STI. Aims and Objectives: To estimate the proportion of HBV, HCV, HIV, HSV and syphilis positive cases by serological methods and to correlate the significance of age with positivity. Materials and Methods: A prospective study conducted among 110 women over a period of one year who presented with symptoms and signs of RTI. Screening for HBV, HCV and HSV done by Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). Screening for HIV was done by rapid methods according to NACO guidelines. Screening for syphilis was done by Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test and then positive cases was confirmed by Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination Assay (TPHA). Results: 25.45% of the samples showed positivity for HSV-2 IgG antibodies. 1.89% of the samples were positive for HbsAg antigen detection. 0.91% showed positivity for Treponema pallidum infection. None of the samples were positive for HIV or HCV infection. Conclusion: As there is an increased chance of acquiring STI in genital tract infections, screening for sexually transmitted infections by serological methods should be made mandatory in women with symptoms and signs of genital tract infections at all health care centres. Access this article online Quick Response Code: Website: www.innovativepublication.com