Sexually transmitted infections among adolescents and young adults in India

Objectives: The aim of this study is to enumerate and elucidate the type and nature of sexually transmitted infections (RTI) including HIV/AIDS affecting people in India. Methods: Data were extracted from the literature using MEDLINE database service for years 2002-07. The original articles, surveys, studies, investigations pertinent to India were considered for this study. Results: The HIV prevalence was reported from all over India accounting to 3-3.5 million infected persons. HIV, STI, hepatitis It and C virus significantly affected Northeastern and Southern States. HIV prevalence decreased in key demographic groups in all States due to condom use and in Northern States was about one-fifth of that in the Southern States. STI prevalence was low among non-high risk compared to high-risk population, sexworkers and drug users. Sexual transmission of hepatitis B and C virus posed additional burden and concerns. Chlamydial and syphilis infections facilitated HIV transmission. A substantial burden of Chlamydial infection was among sexually active groups. Conclusions: Timely diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydial and syphilis infection to reduce HIV transmission need to be included in AIDS preventive programme. Effective steps need to be taken for over all reduction of HIV and STI incidence and in particular, to prevent spread of STI from high risk to non-high risk population of the country.