HIV AND SYPHILIS SEROPREVALENCE AMONG CLIENTS WITH SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES ATTENDING A WALK-IN CLINIC AT COOK-COUNTY-HOSPITAL

Background and Objectives: To determine the HIV and syphilis seroprevalence in a patients with suspected sexually transmitted diseases at an urban walk-in clinic. Methods: Between January and November 1991, 515 patients with suspected sexually transmitted diseases were simultaneously tested for syphilis and HIV antibodies. Results: The cohort studied was young (85% were < 40 years), 81% were black, 11% Hispanic, and 71% reported heterosexual contact as the primary HIV risk factor. HIV seroprevalence was 8% (41/515), (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 5.66%, 10.34%). Syphilis seroprevalence rate was 21.4% (110/515),(95%CI 17.86%, 24.94%). Syphilis seroprevalence in those who were HIV positive was 31.7% (13/41), (95%CI 17.46%, 45.94%) as compared to 5.9% (28/574), (95%CI 3.78%, 8.02%) in those who were HIV negative. Conclusion: The HIV seroprevalence among patients with sexually transmitted diseases who are screened for syphilis was disturbingly high. Patients who were seropositive for HIV had a significantly higher rate of syphilis than those who were HIV negative.