Abstract
Title: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) varies between countries, depending on various factors (behavior, age, preventive measures etc.) Background: Aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of various STIs in asymptomatic sexually active women in Central Greece. Methods and Findings: From June 2014 to May 2016, a total of 188 women, negative for cervical lesion or inflammation according to cytological test, nonvaccinated for HPV and aged between 19-59 years old (mean age 34 years old), were examined. The study material included: 1. blood sample 2. sample of vaginal secretions 3. cervical swab and 4. endo-cervical brush. One hundred – ten women out 188, were found to have at least one STIs (58.5 %), while, 46 of them were positive for more than one. Among the STIs detected, Ureaplasma parvum predominated (34%) followed by Candida albicans (24.5%), high-risk HPV subtypes (23.4%), Chlamydia trachomatis (3.2%) and Mycoplasma hominis (2.1%). None woman was found to be positive for Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Treponema pallidum and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The most common HPV sub-type were the 52 and 39, followed by 59, 16, 31, 33, 56, 18, 51, 58 and 35. The majority of HPV-positive women were colonised by one sub-type, while 10% of HPV-positive women were colonised with more than one. Conclusion: No significant differences in the prevalence rate were observed between age groups. A weak positive correlation was observed between the concomitant presence of U. parvum/M.hominis, U. parvum/C. trachomatis, and HPV/ number of partners. Continued close monitoring of the prevalence of STIs in healthy individuals is important for preventing their dissemination.
Highlights
It has long been recognized that the microbial community of the lower genital tract plays a vital role in maintaining the reproductive health of women [1]
A weak positive correlation was observed between the concomitant presence of U. parvum/M.hominis, U. parvum/C. trachomatis, and HPV/ number of partners
In fertile premenopausal healthy women the vaginal ecosystem is dominated by Lactobacillus spp, but, a diverse array of other bacteria can be present in much lower numbers such as Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma spp, sexually transmitted viruses (Herpes virus, Human Papillomavirus) etc
Summary
It has long been recognized that the microbial community of the lower genital tract plays a vital role in maintaining the reproductive health of women [1]. The vaginal microbiota of reproductive-aged women is an ecological niche, where several aerobe and anaerobe microorganisms co-exist in a dynamic balance. Changes in structure and composition are influenced by age, menarche, time in menstrual cycle, pregnancy, infections, sexually activity, medication, and hygiene. In fertile premenopausal healthy women the vaginal ecosystem is dominated by Lactobacillus spp, but, a diverse array of other bacteria can be present in much lower numbers such as Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis , Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma spp, sexually transmitted viruses (Herpes virus, Human Papillomavirus) etc. In Greece, several studies have demonstrated that C. trachomatis, Mycoplasma spp and Ureaplasma spp etc.
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