Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among men having sex with men {MSM} attending Stanley Medical College in North Chennai

BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSMs) are a vulnerable population for spread of sexually transmitted infections. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence of HIV,syphilis ,hepatitis B and C, herpes simplex virus infection in this population to provide insight into appropriate STI screening and management guidelines for this population. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This is a cross sectional study including 100 MSM attending STD clinic of Stanley Medical College, North Chennai, of > 18 years of age ,engaged in anal and oral insertive and receptive intercourse, with > 1 partner, bisexuals, transgenders and this population will undergo serological assessment for HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B & C, herpes simplex virus infection. RESULTS: Out of 100 MSM, 27 patients were newly diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections. Among 27 newly diagnosed STIs , 4 (14.8) cases were found to have HIV( all are positive for HIV 1), 5 (18.5%) cases of syphilis (2 cases with early syphilis and 3 cases with late syphilis),7 (26%) cases of genital and perianal wart, 4 (14.8%) cases of gonococcal urethritis, 2 (7.4%) cases of molluscum contagiosum (MC), 2 (7.4%) cases of herpes genitalia, 2 (7.4%) cases hepatitis B and 1 (3.7%) case of genital scabies. CONCLUSIONS: MSM are the “bridging population” for spread of STIs and HIV. Increase in the trend of syphilis and asymptomatic herpes infection was noticed among MSMs. Measures for early sex education, partner notification, counselling for condom usage, hepatitis B vaccination and regular monitoring should be encouraged