Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are poorly recognised and
inadequately treated in Nigeria in spite of the fact that it
constitutes a major risk for HIV transmission. This study was carried
out to ascertain STI/HIV co-infection rate and to obtain relevant
socio-demographic and reproductive health data associated with STIs.
This information is urgently needed for designing STI/HIV control
strategies. All consenting patients with history suggestive of STI, who
attended STI clinic at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, between
March and November 2001 were enrolled in the study. Of the 210 patients
seen, 98 (46.7%) were males while 112 (53.3%) were females (p >
0.05). One hundred and fifty six (74.3%) of them were aged 20-39 years
while only 10 (5.1%) were adolescents. Twenty (9.5%) had laboratory
diagnosis of STIs, out of which 6 (30%) were also HIV positive. Among
those with STIs, 8 (40%) had gonorrhoea, 8 (40%) had candidiasis, while
4 (25%) were positive for Trichomonas vaginalis . None of the
patients' sera was positive for Treponema palladium antibody.
HIV prevalence rate in the study was 21.9%. Highest rate was found in
patients aged 20-29 years while no adolescent and no one over 50 years
old was HIV positive. Five (62.5%) of the patients with gonorrhoea were
also HIV positive, a lower percentage (25%) of those with
trichomoniasis were positive for HIV, while none of those infected with
candidiasis was HIV positive. STI/HIV co-infection rate was 30%. This
study reveals a high STI/HIV co-infection rate, indicating that there
is a need for proper management of STIs as a way of reducing the spread
of HIV infection in Nigeria. (Afr J Reprod Health 2005; 9[1]: 42-48
