HIV Infection and Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Central India

Patients having sexually transmitted diseases are at a higher risk of acquiring HIV infection. The present study attempts to analyze the trend of HIV infection and the risk factors among STD clinic attendees in central India. Of the 2264 patients tested, 36 were sero-positive for HIV, giving a prevalence rate of 1.6%. HIV sero-positivity was almost constant over the years (2000- 2004), thus indicating that central India continues to be a low prevalence area. Various factors associated with HIV infection were male sex, illiteracy and migration. Truck drivers and individuals having genital ulcers seemed to be more susceptible to HIV infection. The study highlights a need for continuation and strict monitoring of the ongoing intervention program in order to maintain or reduce this low level of HIV prevalence