Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Italian Women in 1991-2011

Abstract

Objective: The objectives are to identify variations in trends in single sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) over time and to monitor the prevalence of HIV infection among women with a diagnosis of STD. Methods: Data were obtained from the Italian Sentinel STD Surveillance System in the period 1991-2011. This system collects information on diagnoses provided by a network of 12 specialised clinical centres, which offer treatment and care to STDs patients and are located in large cities. Results: From January 1991 to December 2011, the system received detailed information on 27,350 new cases of STDs among women. The most frequently diagnosed STDs were ano-genital warts (33.2%), non-gonoccocal non-chlamydial infections (31.3%), and latent syphilis (11.2%). Of the 17,561 (64.2%) women with a STD who underwent HIV testing, the HIV prevalence was 4.4% (95% CI: 4.1%-4.7%). Of the 778 HIV-positive women with a STD, 28.5% (95% CI: 25.4%-31.8%) was unaware of being HIV-infected. Conclusion: The results obtained should contribute to increasing the commitment of governments and institutions to the prevention and control of STDs, promoting policies, laws, and initiatives for effective control (e.g., by developing information and education campaigns on STDs).