2023-10-27 12:34:04
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are on the rise in Europe, with Austria experiencing a sharp increase in cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections, according to a new study. The rise in these infections is attributed to increased unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple partners.
A report by the MedUni Vienna revealed that there were a staggering 17 million reports of STDs in Europe in 2019. The study identified increased risky behavior as the main cause for this surge. In Austria, this trend is also observed.
The study highlighted a concerning 87 percent increase in syphilis diagnoses among individuals aged 15 to 49 in Europe between 2010 and 2019. Additionally, there are currently twice as many new HIV cases in Europe as compared to previous decades, with approximately 1.5 million people affected.
This issue has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to draw attention to the resurgence of STDs and emphasize its importance alongside the ongoing pandemic. The WHO aims to address infectious diseases as part of the “Agenda 2030,” with the objective of averting global population health risks.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections, as well as other infections such as hepatitis B and shigellosis, are widespread across Europe. However, Austria stands out due to the high levels of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections within the country. Experts from the University Clinic for Dermatology at MedUni Vienna, Georg Stary and Katja Knapp, contributed to a series of articles on this topic published in “The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.”
The researchers attribute the increase in infections to a rise in high-risk behavior during sexual encounters, particularly unprotected intercourse with multiple partners. They note that the availability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has contributed to this trend. While PrEP is an effective preventive medication against HIV, its use without condoms can lead to the spread of other STDs.
Despite the alarming numbers, the significance of the data is limited due to the lack of meaningful country-specific information regarding the prevalence of the most common STDs, particularly in Austria. Georg Stary criticized this lack of data, stressing the need for comprehensive information to tackle the issue effectively.
To address the rising threat of antibiotic resistance, the researchers also emphasized the necessity of establishing resistance profiles in bacterial STDs. This information would enable targeted and prompt administration of antibiotics when necessary.
The study serves as a wake-up call for increased efforts in raising awareness, promoting safe sexual practices, and providing comprehensive and accurate data on STDs. It underscores the importance of implementing preventive measures and developing strategies to combat the rising rates of STDs in Europe.]
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