Clinicodemographic Profile and Treatment Outcomes of Genital Ulcer Disease in a Tertiary Care STI Clinic: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Observational Study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2593Keywords:
Genital ulcer disease, sexually transmitted infections, genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid, HIV, treatment outcomes, STI clinicAbstract
Background:
Genital ulcer disease remains an important syndrome encountered in sexually transmitted infection clinics because it causes substantial morbidity, facilitates transmission of other sexually transmitted infections, and has a recognized epidemiological association with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Local clinic-based data are essential for understanding prevailing etiologies, clinical patterns, and early treatment outcomes.
Objectives:
To describe the clinicodemographic characteristics and etiological spectrum of genital ulcer disease and to assess short-term treatment outcomes among patients attending a tertiary care STI clinic.
Methods:
This prospective observational study enrolled one hundred consecutive patients with genital ulcer disease. Demographic details, sexual and behavioral history, clinical findings, supportive laboratory investigations, etiological diagnosis, and follow-up outcomes were recorded using a structured case record form. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.
Results:
The mean age of participants was 31.8 +/- 9.4 years, and 68% were males. Most patients belonged to the 25-34 year age group, 63% reported high-risk sexual exposure, and 72% reported inconsistent or absent condom use. Painful ulcers were present in 64%, multiple ulcers in 58%, and recurrent episodes in 34%. Genital herpes was the most common etiology (52%), followed by syphilis (18%) and chancroid (12%). Human immunodeficiency virus reactivity was observed in 12% of patients. Complete healing was documented in 82% of cases, while 12% showed partial improvement, 3% had no significant response, and 3% were lost to follow-up.
Conclusion:
Genital herpes was the predominant cause of genital ulcer disease in this tertiary care STI clinic, with syphilis remaining an important contributor. Most patients were young adults with identifiable sexual risk behavior, and overall treatment outcomes were favorable with timely syndromic and etiological management.
Recommendations:
Tertiary STI clinics should strengthen routine risk assessment, same-visit counseling, HIV and syphilis screening, partner notification, and early follow-up.
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