Figure - available via license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
Content may be subject to copyright.
Source publication
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a major global health problem leading to morbidity, mortality and stigma. Prior to this study there was no information on the prevalence and knowledge of STIs in Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Prospective, cross-sectional study in patients attending STI clinics from July 2006 to September 2009.
After obtainin...
Similar publications
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a double-stranded DNA virus, whose primary target is epithelial cells. It is disseminated by hematogenous spread. HSV type 2 (HSV-2) usually causes genital infection with mucocutaneous lesions or it may be asymptomatic. HSV-2 is also an important cause of meningitis either during primary infection or by (recurrent) rea...
Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) cause cold sores and genital herpes and can establish lifelong latent infection in neurons. An engineered oncolytic HSV (oHSV) has recently been approved to treat tumors in clinics. HSV latency-associated transcripts (LATs) are associated with the latent infection, but LAT transcriptional regulation was seldom reported...
Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) is a leading cause of sexually transmitted infections for which no effective vaccines or prophylactic treatment currently exist. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and has been more recently shown to regulate infl...
From established latency, human herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2) frequently reactivates into the genital tract, resulting in symptomatic ulcers or subclinical shedding. Tissue-resident memory (TRM) CD8+ T cells that accumulate and persist in the genital skin at the local site of recrudescence are the “first responders” to viral reactivation, performing...
HSV-2 (Herpes simplex virus type 2) is a critical viral agent that mainly causes genital herpes and life-long latent infection in the dorsal root ganglia. Gene modification via CRISPR/Cas9 Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat sequences/CRISPR associated 9) was used here to construct HSV-2 mutant strains through the deletion of f...
Citations
... (TP) is sensitive to cold temperature, therefore if the blood is stored below 20 degree for 72 hours or more, the chance of transmission potentially decreases [10]. In Pakistan, the prevalence varies from study to study, ranging from 1.3% to around 29% [11]. Previously, the blood donors reactive for Syphilis were deferred permanently, however, due to recent AABB guidelines and associated evidence, it has been included in temporary deferral now. ...
Background: Pakistan has a high prevalence of hepatitis and increasing prevalence of HIV, these infections imply a serious risk to the health of those who need blood transfusions. As blood donors are generally considered as the healthy population, assessing the risk of these silent killers in the blood donors can overall help in understanding the potential impact of these infections on the general population. Objective: As the TTI prevalence is increasing rapidly in our region, it is much needed to take necessary actions for its prevention. The first step should be the actual frequency of these TTI's in healthy blood donors, so our study aimed to identify the positive ratio of Hep B, Hep C, HIV, malaria and syphilis in exchange and voluntary blood donors, their comparison and need of effective testing. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective analysis which was conducted from January 2020 to December 2020, in the Regional Blood Centre, Karachi. The data is taken from BBMIS software and analyzed by SPSS version 23. We included 56732 donors from January 2020 to October 2022. Screening of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV was done by Chemoimmunoliscence (CLIA) whereas ICT based screening was done for Syphilis and Malaria. Result: Among donors, 50147 (88.4%) were exchange while 6585 (11.6%) were voluntary donors. The frequency of HCV was 3.1% followed by HbsAg (2.3%) and syphilis (1.6%), HIV 0.3% and the least was malaria 0.2%. As 88% of the donors were exchange, TTI positivity was also more in them. Conclusion: The prevalence of TTI in donors of RBC Karachi is worrysome. It highlights the fact of Nucleic Acid testing significance. Though CLIA is a sensitive technique, 100% safety of blood products requires the implication of Nucleic Acid testing, moreover the implication of voluntary blood donation should also be considered significantly.
... The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that in Low Income countries in 2016 the prevalence of RTIs ranged from 2% for gonorrhoea and syphilis, to 4% for Chlamydia up to 10% for trichomoniasis [22]. This high prevalence is con rmed by community studies among Afghan refugees and communities of neighboring countries [10,23,24], and also, at least apparently, by the high proportion of symptomatic women found in the present work. Naturally, the prevalence of signs and symptoms estimated in this study cannot be generalized to the whole female population of Afghanistan, as the sample was drawn from women presenting to clinics, and not from the general population. ...
Background
In Afghanistan, a country with limited resources, providing care for Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) is challenging, also due to the extreme scarcity of reliable data. To address this gap, the present study investigates symptoms, potential risk factors, knowledge, and care-seeking behavior in the largest sample of women to date.
Methods
From September 16 to November 26 2022, a structured questionnaire was administered, by trained female medical students, to women presenting at multi-specialist clinics in the major cities of Afghanistan. Signs and symptoms of RTIs were investigated, together with reproductive history, hygiene practices, and socio-demographic characteristics. Logistic regression, adjusted for selected co-variates, was used to assess predictors of delays (over one month) from symptoms onset to care-seeking, and of a history of RTI.
Results
Out of 749 women who were asked to reply to the questionnaire, 601 responses were analyzed (80.2%). Mean age was 31.3 years (SD 11.5), with 69.1% being younger than 35 years, 26.8% unmarried, and 32.5% illiterate. Respectively 77.1% and 40.8% of the women had their first marriage and their first delivery between 14 and 20 years of age. Signs and symptoms related to RTIs were reported by 79.2%, knowledge of RTIs by only 23.0%, and care-seeking delays by up to 39.5%, of which 68.2% cited reasons other than mismanagement at the previous clinic. Care-seeking delays were positively associated with abnormal vaginal discharge (OR 4.12; 95%CI 2.01–8.45), lower abdominal pain (2.62; 1.44–4.77), and fever (1.93; 1.25–2.98) and negatively associated with being sedentary (0.38; 0.22–0.64), hand-washing (0.61; 0.40–0.95), and knowledge about RTI () although borderline significant. A history of RTI (reported by 44.1%) was predicted by abnormal vaginal discharge (2.29; 1.38–3.79), fever (1.56; 1.04–2.36), irregular menstruations (1.59; 1.07–2.35), and use of sanitary pads (vs. cloth: 0.63; 0.41–0.97), but not by the husbands’ history of RTI.
Conclusions
The majority of women presenting at clinics in Afghanistan reported signs and symptoms related to RTIs, delayed care-seeking, and lack knowledge about RTI. Healthcare providers should inform the population about RTIs and their standard care pathway, while adopting a multi-dimensional approach accounting for the cultural background of the women.
... Another study conducted in 2011 reported a prevalence of 3.2% for HSV type 2 infections in Pakistan [36]. ...
Pakistan is endemic to a number of viral infections, owing to its humid climate, topographical variation, soaring population, and lack of education and awareness. These viruses may have several different modes of transmission, including respiratory or airborne transmission, sexual transmission, blood-borne, fecal-oral transmission, vector-borne transmission, and transmission following an organ transplant. Although several different microorganisms are responsible for causing these infections, a few viruses are found more commonly in Pakistan and are primarily responsible for causing infections. In this study, we present a review of the most recent studies on different viruses, transmitted through various transmission routes, found commonly in Pakistan, along with the prevalence of each, and recommend control measures required against these viruses.
... Education related to the relationship for preventing STI is fundamental part [17] and as per the study results, we found deficient training and education of LHW. They are the bridge for communication among community and health care [13,18] and could play significant role in preventing STIs. ...
Globally, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) took the lives of nearly 680,000 people in 2020. And STI prevalence was found at almost 4.4% in the local population. As Lady Health Workers (LHWs) are a communication bridge between the patient and care provider therefore we aim to assess and identify the gaps in the knowledge, attitude, and practice of lady health workers regarding STIs
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study for 12 weeks (January-2020 till March-2020) was conducted among 18-60years who were trained in the last 3 months for the basic health unit in Jacobabad and were assessed for their knowledge, attitude, and practices. A total of 316 participants were selected via a simple random technique from 595 LHWs whereas analysis was performed in SPSS v.25
Results: Total of 315 LHWs participated with mean age of 36.32±6.61 years and 99.4%, were Muslim. Their mean household monthly income was 26010.13± 2201.86 rupees and the majority, 266 (84.4%), were married and half of them, 169 (49.7%), were matriculated. Almost 94% knew about STIs but their knowledge was 6% at an excellent level. Very low number 7.9% found as excellent in the attitude assessment scale among participants whereas none of them was identified as excellent in practice.
Discussion: The results findings showed that LHW should be equipped with the proper knowledge of STIs. LHW is in need of getting proper training on the practice as only 0.3% of the population involved in the study had a good practice of STIs.
... Education related to the relationship for preventing STI is fundamental part [17] and as per the study results, we found deficient training and education of LHW. They are the bridge for communication among community and health care [13,18] and could play significant role in preventing STIs. ...
Globally, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) took the lives of nearly 680,000 people in 2020. And STI prevalence was found at almost 4.4% in the local population. As Lady Health Workers (LHWs) are a communication bridge between the patient and care provider therefore we aim to assess and identify the gaps in the knowledge, attitude, and practice of lady health workers regarding STIs Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study for 12 weeks (January-2020 till March-2020) was conducted among 18-60years who were trained in the last 3 months for the basic health unit in Jacobabad and were assessed for their knowledge, attitude, and practices. A total of 316 participants were selected via a simple random technique from 595 LHWs whereas analysis was performed in SPSS v.25 Results: Total of 315 LHWs participated with mean age of 36.32±6.61 years and 99.4%, were Muslim. Their mean household monthly income was 26010.13± 2201.86 rupees and the majority, 266 (84.4%), were married and half of them, 169 (49.7%), were matriculated. Almost 94% knew about STIs but their knowledge was 6% at an excellent level. Very low number 7.9% found as Original Research Article Ahmed et al.; IJTDH, 43(13): 20-27, 2022; Article no.IJTDH.87422 21 excellent in the attitude assessment scale among participants whereas none of them was identified as excellent in practice. Discussion: The results findings showed that LHW should be equipped with the proper knowledge of STIs. LHW is in need of getting proper training on the practice as only 0.3% of the population involved in the study had a good practice of STIs.
... HPV is an extremely prevalent sexually transmitted virus. This virus has 40 different genotypes that infect the genital mucosa; some of which are considered carcinogenic (high risk), including types 16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51,52,56, 58, 59, 68, 73 and 82. 17 Local studies from Pakistan have reported increased frequency of cervical cancer associated with the persistence of high-risk HPV infection. ...
... Long-lasting misunderstandings contribute to the nationwide negligence of STI treatment and prevention. 51,52 Therefore, the variations in STI prevalence may be credited to the dispute in setups, social beliefs and level of awareness that build the strong bases for a persistent and progressive course of cervico-vaginal infections, leading to dysplasia and preceding malignancy. ...
Globally more than a million sexually transmitted infections occur daily, and over 53 000 [47,000–60,000] women aged 15 and over were living with human immunodeficiency virus / acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Pakistan by the year 2020. This situation becomes graver when the sexually transmitted infections exist as co-infections while remaining undiagnosed or under-diagnosed. Additionally, herpetic or papillomavirus lesions are more recurrent, more extensive and have more serious consequences in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients. Literature shows a dramatic increase in morbidity and mortality due to the occurrence of malignancies in genital co-infections. There is a key concern that every single adolescent female living in Pakistan is at a high risk of acquiring viral sexually transmitted infections along with malignancy of the cervix.
---Continue
... These finding are in concordance with the current study however; on the other hand, in a study it was found that nearly two thirds (60%) patients were aware modes of transmission of STIs and the associated complications. Only one fifth of them (20%) used condom and 21% had knowledge of safe sex 17 . 53% did not know about condom and its use. ...
Aims: The main purpose of this study was to find to assess the knowledge about STIs among community women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Rawalpindi. Methodology: This study was conducted taking 150 women through multistage, cluster randomization from January to June 2017 at Rawalpindi. The ethical committee of Sarhad University, Peshawar approved the study. A self-structured, pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was done through SPSS® version 21. Results were generated in tables and graphs. Results: The mean ± SD age was 28.7 ± 9.5 years with a minimum of 19, maximum 49. Almost half of all women were age group 19-29 years & 82% were married. Eighty percent was the literacy while CPR was 53.7%. Knowledge about STIs was not sufficient (42%) yet most knew about mode of transmission of STIs (86.67%). Most women identified the factors which contribute to the spread of STIs; 97.33% said STIs are preventable while 92.67%. One third of all women had one or other STI but only 19 women knew about the disease they had. Conclusion and recommendations: Pakistan faces the persistent threat of STIs. Community women of reproductive age are at specific risk to a high risk of spread of STIs. Education, awareness and intervention at all levels by all stakeholders/ public and private are utmost required to stop STIs and their long standing complications. Key words: Sexually transmitted infections, STIs, Reproductive age, Knowledge.
... 22 The risk factors findings in the present study were almost similar to a study conducted in Karachi 12 and Faisalabad, Pakistan. 41 In the present study, one of the risk groups for syphilis was drivers which were similar to a study conducted in Rawalpindi/Islamabad in which one of the risk group for syphilis was truck drivers. 42 Among the blood donors within the different regions of Pakistan and also in other countries in the world, there are differences in the prevalence of syphilis infection and also the risk factors associated with it. ...
Objective: To assess the prevalence and determine the risk factors analysis of syphilis in blood donors. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional, prospective, single centre study of blood donors from June 2020 to June 2021. After selection and obtaining informed consent, the required blood samples for screening were collected from the blood donors and tested by Chemiluminescence Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) for the detection of antibodies specific to Treponema palladium. All syphilis reactive blood donors filled out a questionnaire used for risk factors analysis. Results: A total of 32,812 blood samples were tested by the CMIA technique for the detection of antibodies against T. pallidum of which 272 (0.83%) were reactive while 32,540(99.17%) were non-reactive. Male participants in the study were 32,661(99.54%) while 151(0.46%) were females. Voluntary blood donors comprised of 1,885 (5.74%) while 30,927(94.26%) were replacement donors. In the replacement blood donors category, 262(0.86%) were reactive to syphilis antibodies whereas 10(0.53%) were reactive for syphilis in the voluntary blood donors category. All of the reactive cases were in the male blood donors and no reactive case was detected in female blood donors. Of the 272 reactive blood donors, the majority (39.71%) were from urban and 164 (60.29%) were from rural areas. The majority of the reactive blood donors were between the age of 18 to 37 years. Conclusion: The current study provided a baseline for the rate of local prevalence and risk factors analysis for syphilis. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, syphilis has become prevalent posing a threat to blood safety. Further studies with a higher sample size are needed. A campaign for health education at the national and provincial levels is imperative.
... In 2004, National AIDS control program carried out a survey reporting a syphilis prevalence of 60% among Hijras and 36% between male sex workers (MSM) 20 . Unsafe sexual practices have, undoubtedly, increased the prevalence of syphilis 21 Such practices are common in the villages due to lack of awareness which may be a reason of a high prevalence of syphilis among the blood donors of Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital which is surrounded by 1112 villages. Since there is an estimated 2-to 5-fold increased risk of acquiring HIV if exposed to it in the presence of syphilis 22 , there is a potential risk of HIV co-infection in the villagers if unchecked. ...
Aim: To highlight the emerging risk of acquiring the infectious pathogen through transfusion and the need to control and prevent such occurrences to make blood transfusion absolutely safe. Methodology: A hospital-based, the descriptive retrospective study was conducted at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore. The data from February 2019 to July 2019 was collected from the blood bank with the approval of the hospital ethics committee. The screening of the blood for Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) is mandatory in the source hospital. These include HCV, HBV, HIV, Syphilis and Malaria. Results: Out of 9152 blood donors, 9098 (99.41%) were males and 54 (0.59%) were females. Among these donors, 62(0.68%) were found to be reactive for Treponema pallidum. All confirmed cases of syphilis positive donors were males (98.39%), except for one female (1.61%). Conclusion: The prevalence of the syphilis among the blood donors is considerably high and poses a threat to the safety of the recipient. Before this infectious disease becomes a menace to the society, it is imperative to launch a widespread awareness campaign and implement the 'integrated strategy for blood safety and availability' recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
... In Pakistan, a Central Asian country with the second-largest Muslim-majority population in the world, marginalization due to gender minority and STI status places heavy psychological burdens on the individual. Transgender people in this geo-cultural region face significant human rights issues [36], and despite their relatively limited numbers in Pakistan, they disproportionally account for 17.5% of HIV cases [37]. The term transgender in Pakistan reflects a mix of identity labels within a broad community of socially marginalized individuals [38] of varying sexual and gender minority statuses. ...
This study focused on the relationships among social support, self-esteem, and depression in transgender and cisgender individuals suffering from an incurable or curable sexually transmitted disease. Data were collected from 210 participants with an STI using a semi-structured interview along with culturally adapted standardized instruments. Results indicated no differences between transgender and cisgender groups in depression, although there were large differences in social support and self-esteem. Preliminary regression analysis identified only STI type and duration of STI as significant predictors of depression. However, when moderating roles for both social support and self-esteem were tested, each added to the explained variance and, equally importantly, revealed the effects of both gender status and social support on depression. These findings not only demonstrate how the compound stressors of gender minority status and STI type affect depressive symptoms, but also reveal the critical role that social support can play in mitigating depressive symptoms in those with gender minority status. Findings are interpreted within the context of South/Central Asian cultures that have pre- and post-colonial traditions regarding the social role of non-binary individuals.
