Clinico-epidemiologic features of granuloma inguinale in the era of acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Jamkhedkar, P.P.; Hira, S.K.; Shroff, H.J.; Lanjewar, D.N.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 25(4): 196-200
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0148-5717 PMID: 9564722 DOI: 10.1097/00007435-199804000-00004Document Number: 274445
Background and Objectives: Granuloma Inguinale (GI) is an endemic sexually transmitted disease (STD) in India. With increasing prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among patients with STD at a clinic in Mumbai, a study was conducted to determine clinico-epidemiologic features of GI and HIV. Goal. To determine possible interaction between GI and HIV. Study Design: Prospective follow-up of 21 consecutive cases (GI in HIV-seropositive individuals) and 29 controls (GI in HIV-seronegative individuals) to determine time to heal. All cases and controls received a standard treatment regimen of erythromycin, 2 g po daily, under supervision until healing occurred. Results: Although GI ulcers at recruitment were not significantly larger among HIV-seropositive individuals as compared with those seen among HIV-seronegative individuals (mean size 4.4 cm2 vs. 3.6 sq2; odds ratio (OR) 1.22, confidence interval (CI) .95, 0.63, 2.40; p = 0.52), the former took longer time to heal completely (mean 25.7 days vs. 16.8 days; OR 1.82, CI .95, 0.99, 3.36; p = 0.03) and tended to produce greater tissue destruction (as included in results). Conclusion: These findings are important because slow-healing GI ulcers with underlying HIV infection, which may be caused by their interaction, will lead to increased transmission of both the infections.