Aim: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are one of the main causes of morbidity in the world and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can give rise to severe sequels (inflammatory pelvic disease, etc.). The epidemiology of these infections is changeable and depends on geographical and economical factors, migratory flows and social and sexual habits. This variability, along with the lack of sufficient data in literature, is a serious problem in the development of screening, prevention and therapy strategies centered on local needs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the epidemiology of reproductive tract infections in a symptomatic population of the Nord-East of Italy.
Methods: In the period January-June 2006, we investigated 207 subjects at the Microbiology and Virology Service of Padua's Hospital, 18-65 years old, males and women, Italian and foreigners. All had symptoms or personal history pointing to a possible reproductive tract infection. For female we collected vaginal and cervical swabs, and for male urethral swabs, for microscopy, the culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma spp., other bacteria and yeasts, and for molecular assay for Chlamydia trachomatis.
Results: Among our population, the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis were respectively 6.28%, 1.93% and 3.86%. STIs were more frequent in males, among foreigners, and in patients aged 18-30 years.
Conclusion: From the results obtained, ideas have emerged in order to arrange a qualitative and quantitative optimization of the diagnosis of RTIs, implementing diagnostic paths based on the different typologies of patients and on the local epidemiology.