Epidemiology and determinants of reemerging bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and emerging STIs in Europe
Oriol Mitjà, Valeska Padovese, Cinta Folch, Isotta Rossoni, Michael Marks, Miquel Angel Rodríguez i Arias, Amalio Telenti, Angela Ciuffi, Karel Blondeel, Otilia Mårdh, Jordi Casabona
Abstract
In this scoping review, we offer a comprehensive understanding of the current and recent epidemiology, challenges, and emerging issues related to bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the WHO European Region. We endeavour in collating data from both EU/EEA and non- EU/EEA countries, thereby giving a complete picture of the region which highlights the higher notification rates in Northern and Western countries than other regions, likely due to differences in testing, access to testing, and surveillance capacity. We provide an up-to-date review on the current knowledge of determinants and persistent inequities in key populations as well as the use of molecular epidemiology for identifying transmission networks in gonorrhoea and syphilis, and detecting chlamydia mutations that evade molecular diagnosis. Finally, we explore the emerging STIs in the region and the evolving transmission routes of food and waterborne diseases into sexual transmission. Our findings call for harmonized STI surveillance systems, proactive strategies, and policies to address social factors, and staying vigilant for emerging STIs.