HIV and syphilis seroprevalence among clients with sexually transmitted diseases attending a walk-in clinic at Cook County Hospital

Abstract

Background and objectives: To determine the HIV and syphilis seroprevalence in a patients with suspected sexually transmitted diseases at an urban walk-in clinic.

Methods: Between January and November 1991, 515 patients with suspected sexually transmitted diseases were simultaneously tested for syphilis and HIV antibodies.

Results: The cohort studied was young (85% were < 40 years), 81% were black, 11% Hispanic, and 71% reported heterosexual contact as the primary HIV risk factor. HIV seroprevalence was 8% (41/515), (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 5.66%, 10.34%). Syphilis seroprevalence rate was 21.4% (110/515), (95% CI 17.86%, 24.94%). Syphilis seroprevalence in those who were HIV positive was 31.7% (13/41), (95% CI 17.46%, 45.94%) as compared to 5.9% (28/574), (95% CI 3.78%, 8.02%) in those who were HIV negative.

Conclusion: The HIV seroprevalence among patients with sexually transmitted diseases who are screened for syphilis was disturbingly high. Patients who were seropositive for HIV had a significantly higher rate of syphilis than those who were HIV negative.