A Retrospective Analysis of Seven Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the City of Bari: Observations and Future Perspectives
Ciro Gargiulo Isacco, Stefania Garzone, Del Prete Francesca, Sergey K. Aityan, Vikram D. Sawant, Kieu CD Nguyen, Van Hung Pham, Toai Cong Tran, Raffaele Del Prete, Luigi SantacroceIntroduction:
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) have become a global health problem, causing severe diseases and, in some cases, death. This study aimed to highlight the prevalence and spread of STIs in the Apulian population in the urban area of Bari. This would provide a clearer picture of the onset, persistence, social status, and pathophysiology of STIs, and allow health authorities to identify high-risk groups and personalize prevention and treatment programs.
Methods:
This is a retrospective analysis of a study conducted between May 21, 2018, and May 31, 2024, on 6,931 patients. Enrolled patients were of both sexes; swabs, fluid samples, and biopsies were sent to our clinical microbiology laboratory at the Aldo Moro University Hospital in Bari for diagnosis and tested by specific, targeted quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR).
objective:
The objectives are, therefore, substantially aimed at focusing on the functional and social aspects underlying these particular types of infections, underlining problems that could improve an increasingly targeted and effective healthcare intervention.
Results:
The most frequent infection is caused by Ureaplasma parvum, with over 1400 cases. Our data suggest a possible epidemiological correlation between the transmissibility of STIs, cultural and social status, sex, and age. Patients were predominantly women (about 74.9% versus 25.1%) and aged between 25 and 50 years. The prevalence of individuals affected by STI-causing microorganisms was significantly higher among younger adults aged 25-55 years, with Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, and Mycoplasma hominis as the major co-infecting agents. In pregnant women, two types of moderate positive correlation were observed: Mycoplasma hominis with Ureaplasma parvum and Chlamydia trachomatis, followed by Ureaplasma parvum and Chlamydia trachomatis
Discussion:
The study highlights the need for comprehensive care, sensitive to cultural and developmental differences, to address sexuality-related issues among disadvantaged groups, particularly adolescents and young adults. These criteria should be applied nationwide and could serve as a guideline for officials and public health professionals to promote access to sexual health services among these population groups and provide useful information, strengthening preventive measures among younger age groups, and designing sexuality education programs.
Conclusions:
By analyzing data (age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, etc.) alongside STI diagnoses, we sought to identify patterns and trends in STI prevalence. These data will be crucial for the adoption of evidence-based STI control programs in the Puglia Region. They would eventually help in understanding the specific populations most vulnerable to STIs and the factors contributing to their increased risk.