Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: August | Volume: 6 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 240-242
Screening for Syphilis in PLHA
Dr. Rama Devi1, Dr. J.K. Surekha2, Dr. Udayasri B3, Dr. Pallati Alekhya4
1Professor & HOD, 2Associate Professor, 4Assistant Professor,
Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College Mahabubnagar, Metugadda, Mahabubnagar District, Telangana 509001, India.
3Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Niloufer Hospital, Red Hills, Baazar Ghat, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad - 500 004, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Pallati Alekhya
ABSTRACT
HIV and Syphilis are sexually transmitted diseases, which are strongly linked to each other. In people living with HIV, syphilis is asymptomatic and leads to secondary and tertiary syphilis. A pilot study was started to know the incidence of asymptomatic syphilis in HIV positive patients. 200 participants were taken up for the study. HIV status was confirmed with the 3 principles/ antigens according to NACO guidelines. Detail demographic profile and history of patients was noted. 200 HIV positive serum samples were collected and subjected to rapid plasma regain test. CD4 % was also correlated. Out of 200 cases majority were males (78%), age group ranging from 20-50 years. All patients were subtype HIV I. 6 patients were reported reactive for syphilis. Majority patients had CD4 % >500. Time bound screening for syphilis in HIV patients is necessary. Detection and treatment of primary syphilis is important to prevent further progression of the infection and relapse.
Key words: PLHA, syphilis, HIV, RPR, co-infection
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