| Autor: |
Zanotta N; Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy., Magni E; Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy., De Seta F; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, University Vita and Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milano, Italy., Petix V; Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy., Sossi K; Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy., Colli C; MST Centre, ASUGI Maggiore Hospital, 34134 Trieste, Italy., Monasta L; Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy., Suligoi B; National AIDS Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy., Comar M; Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy.; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy. |
| Abstrakt: |
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. |
