Textbook of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS

K Siddappa

 India, India

Correspondence Address:
K Siddappa
India
India

This textbook of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS edited by Dr. Vinod K. Sharma is a welcome addition in the field of dermato-venereology. The material of the textbook is well laid out and the print quality is good. Various contributors with experience in the field have written their topics neatly. The textbook has comprehensive and detailed coverage of all sexually transmitted infections including AIDS. A look at the table of contents reveals comprehensive coverage of the subject with topics such as general aspects, HIV/AIDS, basics of anatomy and clinical and laboratory methods, sexually transmitted diseases, sexually transmitted diseases in special situations, drug resistance, control of sexually transmitted diseases, non-venereal skin diseases of genitalia, psychological aspects of sexually transmitted diseases, and general guidelines in the clinical approach to STD. The book also deals with their clinical approach to the management of STDs. However, coverage of some of the STDs like chancroid or donovanosis needs to be expanded.

A color atlas of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS is an additional attraction of the textbook. Here the photographs are laid out according to the chapters in the order of their order in text. However, readers usually prefer photographs inserted in the text of each chapter. The appendices include topics like history taking and proforma in STDs, treatment guidelines of STDs by WHO/CDC/NACO, syndromic approach to treatment of STD (NACO), treatment of opportunistic in HIV/AIDS, prophylaxis of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). These are useful to post-graduate students and private practitioners alike. Though there are a few deficiencies at places, the textbook is well written and is useful to dermato-venereologists, postgraduates and private practitioners.