PATTERN OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AMONG MEN HAVING SEX WITH MEN ATTENDING STI CLINIC IN A RURAL TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN SOUTH INDIA

Abstract

Background: In this rapidly spreading infectious disease era, the study of sexually transmitted infections among the high risk group population especially Men having sex with Men(Viraj v patel et al 2012) needs special attention as it pave the way for realising the social and psychological behavior of the individual and society. But the data on the socio-psycho behaviors and STIs among MSM in India were meagre and is the need of hour to plan the strategies of STI/HIV prevention (AIDS Care. 2013)

Aims and objective: To study the pattern and epidemiological aspects of Sexually transmitted infections in men having sex with men(MSM)  attending STI clinic  in Govt Vellore medical college, Vellore, Tamilnadu.Materials and methods: Retrospective observational study of pts who were registered at STI clinic, Govt. Vellore Medical College, Vellore between January 2017 and Dec 2018.Inclusion criteria: All male patients with history of  sexual contact with men (Men having sex with Men )attended our opd were included.Exclusion criteria:Female patients and Male patients with history of sexual contact exclusively with females were excluded Results: 127 pts were identified to be Men having sex with Men.55% were of rural and 45% were of urban origin. Predominant age group was 20 to 40 yrs. Viral infections seem to be the  predominant STI in MSM Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of STIs among men having sex with men which is a very important factor for STI/HIV transmission in society. HIV and anogenital warts were found to be the most common Viral STIs among  MSM