Challenges in screening of sexually transmitted viral infections of the female genital tract: Where do we stand? - A scoping review.

Abstract

Globally more than a million sexually transmitted infections occur daily, and over 53 000 [47,000-60,000] women aged 15 and over were living with human immunodeficiency virus / acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Pakistan by the year 2020. This situation becomes graver when the sexually transmitted infections exist as co-infections while remaining undiagnosed or under-diagnosed. Additionally, herpetic or papillomavirus lesions are more recurrent, more extensive and have more serious consequences in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients. Literature shows a dramatic increase in morbidity and mortality due to the occurrence of malignancies in genital co-infections. There is a key concern that every single adolescent female living in Pakistan is at a high risk of acquiring viral sexually transmitted infections along with malignancy of the cervix. As such, the health and future of this age group is already imperilled. Needless to mention that the practice of routine cervical screening and diagnostic laboratory services offered to a common woman in Pakistan have been less than satisfactory for decades. Therefore, to meet the minimum expectations regarding the Millennium Development Goals for sexual and reproductive health and rights 2030, it has now become imperative for the health sector to develop and implement scientific and community-based policies for comprehensive and multidisciplinary diagnostic strategies leading to early and effective management of viral sexually transmitted infections and subsequent neoplasia.