Sexually Transmitted Infections in Italian Young and Adult People: A Worrying Positive Trend Hidden by COVID-19 Epidemic

Author:

Zanotta Nunzia1,Magni Elena2,De Seta Francesco3ORCID,Petix Vincenzo1,Sossi Karin1,Colli Claudia4,Monasta Lorenzo2ORCID,Suligoi Barbara5ORCID,Comar Manola16

Affiliation:

1. Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy

2. Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy

3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, University Vita and Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy

4. MST Centre, ASUGI Maggiore Hospital, 34134 Trieste, Italy

5. National AIDS Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy

6. Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy

Abstract

Recent European data show an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly N. gonorrhoeae, among young heterosexuals, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. Italy’s varied local health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic likely affected STI management and reporting. To evaluate COVID-19’s impact on STI spread in Italy, we analyzed microbiological data from before and during the pandemic in an area with minimal restrictions on clinical services. This retrospective study (2017–2022) included 5503 subjects: 2586 from STI clinics (STD group) and 3687 diagnosed with primary infertility (ART group). Samples were tested for Mycoplasmas/Ureaplasmas, C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and T. vaginalis by a multiplex PCR. During the pandemic, overall STI prevalence increased significantly (p < 0.01). U. parvum was the most frequent microorganism in the STD group (26.1% vs. 23.9%), with a notable increase in women (52.1% vs. 32.7%) (p < 0.001). C. trachomatis and M. hominis positive rates decreased significantly (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). N. gonorrhoeae cases rose among young people (19–29), predominantly heterosexual, with high ciprofloxacin resistance. In the ART group, U. parvum was the most common infection, particularly in young infertile women (p = 0.01). This study indicates a notable rise in STIs among young people, including heterosexuals, despite social restrictions. The long-term impact of this trend requires further evaluation.

Funder

Italiana Ministry of Health

Publisher

MDPI AG

Reference21 articles.

1. World Health Organization (WHO) (2016). Global Health Sector Strategy on Sexually Transmitted Infections 2016–2021, World Health Organization.

2. (2024, January 03). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, Available online: https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2019/std-surveillance-2019.

3. World Health Organization (WHO) (2021). Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, WHO.

4. Long-term consequences of sexually transmitted infections on men’s sexual function: A systematic review;Henkel;Arab. J. Urol.,2021

5. Genital tract infection and associated factors affect the reproductive outcome in fertile females and females undergoing in vitro fertilization;Moragianni;Biomed. Rep.,2019

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