Seroprevalence and Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) in a Rural Ugandan Community

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Reliable information on prevalence and incidence of STD in general populations is relevant for AIDS/STD control strategies but difficults to obtain. Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence and incidence of STD and their association with HIV-1 serostatus; in a rural community in SW Uganda. Methods: 294 adult (ages 13+) residents of 2 neighboring villages provided blood specimen at enrolment and after 12 months. Both specimens were tested for anti-bodies (Ab) against HIV-1; T-.pallidum (tp); H. ducreyi (Hd); C.trachomatis (Ct) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Results: Seroprevalence rates for HIV-1; Tp; Hd were between 8-11; and around 67for Ct and HSV-2. HIV - Ab peaked in those aged 25-34; Tp-Ab showed no age trend; reactivity for Hd; Ct and HSV-2 increased steeply from 155 at age 15-16 to nearly 100at age 24-25. HIV-1 prevalence was 3.8in those not reactive for any other STD; 7.4in those 1-2 STD; and 19.2with 3-4 STD X2 for linear trend 5.2; P