New data from Europe show a sharp increase in sexually transmitted infections, according to surveillance reports published late last week by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The surveillance reports on gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, congenital syphilis, and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) "collectively reveal a dynamic and challenging landscape," the ECDC said in a press release.
Following a drop in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were 46,728 confirmed cases of gonorrhea across 27 European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries in 2021, with an overall crude notification rate of 13.7 cases per 100,000 population—higher than observed in 2019. In addition, the proportion of gonococcal isolates with resistance to azithromycin—one of the last remaining recommended antibiotics for gonorrhea—rose from 3.7% in 2017 to 14.1% in 2021.
The reports on chlamydia and syphilis showed similar trends, with dips in 2020 followed by increases in 2021. There were 184,542 and 25,270 confirmed cases of chlamydia and syphilis in 2021, respectively. Congenital syphilis cases fell in 2020 and 2021 following a peak in notifications in 2019.
Altogether, these reports signal a critical juncture in the battle against STIs in Europe.
While men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for more than half of reported gonorrhea cases and 77% of syphilis cases, rates of chlamydia were highest among young adult heterosexual women.
The ECDC also reported a sharp rise in the incidence of LGV, an infection that's caused by the same bacterium that causes chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) but has potentially long-lasting consequences. The ECDC notes the number of cases reported is likely an underestimation since many EU/EEA countries don't have surveillance systems for LGV.
'Collaborative efforts' needed
The ECDC said enhanced prevention activities that focus on increased testing, targeted messaging, and tailored interventions are crucial, and that ongoing monitoring of antimicrobial resistance is "imperative" for informing treatment strategies and addressing emerging challenges.
"Altogether, these reports signal a critical juncture in the battle against STIs in Europe," the agency said. "Collaborative efforts among public health authorities, healthcare providers, and communities are essential to curb the spread of these infections."