Abstract:Background: Syphilis and HIV are prevalent co-infections, with syphilis potentially accelerating HIV progression. This study aimed to assess the clinico-serological prevalence of syphilis among HIV-positive patients attending an STD clinic.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on HIV positive patients attending the STD clinic during the study period. A total of 100 HIV positive patients who were also tested positive for syphilis were included in the study.
Results: The majority of co-infected individuals were male (68%), aged 21-30 years (34%), and predominantly homosexual (58%). The most common presenting complaints were urethral discharge (54%) and constitutional symptoms (75%). Gonorrhea (10%) and genital herpes (15%) were the most frequent associated diseases.
Conclusion: The study highlights the high prevalence of syphilis in HIV-positive individuals, emphasizing the importance of regular screening for syphilis among this high-risk group. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing transmission risks.