The objective was to determine the prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a rural community. A population-based survey of adults in 110 homesteads was conducted in 1995. A questionnaire on demographics, sexual practices and history of STDs was administered. Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections were detected using ligase chain reaction (LCR) assay of urine. The seroprevalence of syphilis rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) and HIV infection (ELISA) was determined. Among 259 subjects the prevalence of HIV was 10.5%, N. gonorrhoeae 4.5%, C. trachomatis 6.1% and active syphilis 8.8%. All infections were asymptomatic. Forty per cent of sexually active men had more than one concurrent sexual partner. Only 14% of subjects had ever used condoms. The STI epidemic is being promoted by high levels of asymptomatic infections, high partner concurrency and low condom use.
PIP: This study determined the prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a rural South African community. A population-based survey of adults in 110 homesteads was conducted in 1995. A questionnaire on demographics, sexual practices and histories of STIs was administered. Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis infections were detected using ligase chain reaction assay of urine. The seroprevalence of syphilis rapid plasma reagin and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay and HIV infection (ELISA) was determined. Among 259 subjects, the prevalence of HIV was 10.5%; N. gonorrhea, 4.5%; C. trachomatis, 6.1%; active syphilis, 8.8%. All infections were asymptomatic. About 40% of sexually active men had more than one concurrent sexual partner. Only 14% of subjects had ever used condoms. In general, these findings indicate that high levels of asymptomatic infections, high partner concurrence, and low condom use are promoting the STI epidemic in this community.