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International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS)
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Original Research Articles                      Volume : 15, Issue:2, February, 2026

PRINT ISSN : 2319-7692
Online ISSN : 2319-7706
Issues : 12 per year
Publisher : Excellent Publishers
Email : editorijcmas@gmail.com /
submit@ijcmas.com
Editor-in-chief: Dr.M.Prakash
Index Copernicus ICV 2018: 95.39
NAAS RATING 2020: 5.38

Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci.2026.15(2): 307-315
DOI: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2026.1502.035


HIV Co-Infection in Serologically Confirmed Syphilis Cases at a Tertiary Care Centre: An Observational Study
Shalu Mengi*, Ojasvi Sharma and Sandeep Dogra
Department of Microbiology, GMC Jammu, India
*Corresponding author
Abstract:

Syphilis and HIV share common modes of transmission and frequently coexist, particularly in high-risk populations. Syphilitic ulcers enhance HIV acquisition and transmission, making co-infection a significant public health concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and association of HIV co-infection among serologically confirmed syphilis cases in a tertiary care centre. This observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, where serum samples were screened for syphilis using the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test. All RPR-reactive samples were further evaluated for HIV infection as per national testing guidelines. Demographic variables including age and gender were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test to assess associations, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. A proportion of serologically confirmed syphilis cases demonstrated HIV co-infection. HIV positivity was significantly higher among RPR-reactive individuals compared to non-reactive cases (p < 0.05), indicating a strong epidemiological association. The majority of co-infected individuals belonged to the sexually active age group (21–40 years). Although males exhibited higher seropositivity rates, gender-wise association was not statistically significant. The findings reflect overlapping risk behaviors and biological synergy between the two infections. The study demonstrates a significant association between syphilis and HIV infection in a tertiary care setting. Routine dual screening, early diagnosis, and integrated management strategies are essential to reduce transmission, prevent complications, and strengthen STI-HIV control programs.


Keywords: Syphilis and HIV, STI-HIV control programs, RPR-reactive samples, Treponema pallidum


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How to cite this article:

Shalu Mengi, Ojasvi Sharma and Sandeep Dogra. 2026. HIV Co-Infection in Serologically Confirmed Syphilis Cases at a Tertiary Care Centre: An Observational Study.Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 15(2): 307-315. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2026.1502.035
Copyright: This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license.

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