Venereology in India

Abstract

Venereology-the study of venereal diseases or more recently, the sexually transmitted infections (STI) includes a variety of pathogens namely viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa for which the common factor is the mode of transmission and acquisition: Sexual relations between human beings. Medical and other historians have often suggested that well-known diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chancroid and lymphogranuloma venereum have existed since earliest times. However, it is difficult to identify modern disease entities based on written historical record. Studying the origin of STIs helps us to learn the political, economic and moral conditions that led to the disease. Effective management of STI rests on three pillars of diagnosis, prevention and treatment. For most of past 50 years in India, the diagnostic pillar has been the least well-supported. Until well into present century, diagnosis of STI in India was clinical. Treatment of STIs in India followed the methods used in England. Of course in the 19th century, in many parts of the world, only a few had access to modern methods of treatment; in India, there was extensive use of Ayurvedic treatment with traditional medicines. This article thus gives just an overview and evolution of venereology in India with regard to venereal diseases (now more often known as STIs/disease), control measures, academic, association and journal development and finally future perspective.

Introduction to Medical Sciences

“…Disease causing agents of sexually transmitted diseases include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa (Thappa and Sivaranjini 2011). Venereal diseases can also be transmitted by several other ways.…”

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

“…To come to a definitive diagnosis doubtful, atypical cases were at times left untreated to see whether or not they developed secondary syphilis. [ 13 ]…”

Clinical patterns of sexually transmitted diseases in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals in a tertiary care center in South India

“…The epidemic has ample scope for further growth if efforts are taken to prevent onward transmission of HIV from drug injectors and the clients of sex workers to their other sex partners. [ 2 ] Until a cure or vaccine for HIV infection is found, the only way to prevent the spread of the disease is by changing people's behavior through AIDS education programs. [ 3 ] The presence of sexually transmitted infections, use of condoms, circumcision, and history of blood transfusion are probable factors responsible for serodiscordance or seroconcordance in HIV-positive cases.…”