Sexually transmitted diseases and the Raj

Syphilis and psychiatry at the Mysore Government Mental Hospital (NIMHANS) in the early 20thcentury

“…The disease resulted in muscular incoordination and paralysis along with the development of degenerative dementia; hence, the disease's pseudonym “dementia paralytica.”[ 3 ] It was only in the early twentieth century that the “syphilitic hypothesis” began to achieve widespread acceptance, when, in 1913, Hideyo Noguchi demonstrated the presence of the organism, then called Spirochaete pallida , in the brain of a patient who had died of GPI. [ 4 ]…”

“…Under the Act, sex workers were subject to compulsory medical examinations, and if found to be infected, they would be confined to a Lock Hospital for up to 3 months; after which they were regarded as cured. [ 4 ] This policy, instead of protecting the women involved in this trade, was actually meant to protect or their clients. [ 9 ] Later, at a conference in Belgium, the Brussels Agreement of 1924 was signed wherein the British government proposed a resolution, stating that there should be adequate international facilities providing diagnosis for venereal diseases and their treatment in every major port, free of charge to any seafarer employed for the purposes of commerce on ocean and river vessels, regardless of nationality, race, or rank.…”

“…In 1910, microscopy and serology came into general use throughout the British Empire when proper training in Venereology was started. [ 4 ] Many cases of early syphilis were thus either diagnosed as chancroid or missed altogether before the advent of serology. To come to a definitive diagnosis doubtful, atypical cases were at times left untreated to see whether or not they developed secondary syphilis.…”

Venereology in India

“…In 1912 the admissions to hospital for the treatment of venereal diseases were 52.0 per 1000 of strength, but by 1921 the figure had risen to 110.4. [ 7 ] In 1923 the levels of infection had reduced by 50% due to better social hygiene and prophylaxis. The proportion of syphilis to gonorrhea was much higher in Indian than in British troops; attributed to the fact that Indian soldiers made no use of prophylactic treatment rooms, which were particularly effective against syphilis.…”

“…Ultimately, when proper training in venereology started in 1910, microscopy and serology came into general use throughout the Empire. [ 7 ] Before this, many cases of early syphilis were either diagnosed as chancroid or missed altogether. To come to a diagnosis, doubtful atypical cases were at times left untreated to see whether or not they developed secondary syphilis.…”