Microorganisms (Aug 2024)

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

  • Nunzia Zanotta,
  • Elena Magni,
  • Francesco De Seta,
  • Vincenzo Petix,
  • Karin Sossi,
  • Claudia Colli,
  • Lorenzo Monasta,
  • Barbara Suligoi,
  • Manola Comar

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081600
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 8
p. 1600

Abstract

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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 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 C. trachomatis and M. hominis positive rates decreased significantly (p p 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.

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