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[Gynecologic infections in adolescence]
F De Seta1, A Sartore, M Piccoli
1Dipartimento Universitario Clinico di Scienze della Riproduzione e dello Sviluppo, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Università degli Studi, Trieste. f.deseta@fmc.univ.trieste.it
Minerva Ginecologica
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Adolescents have higher rates of genital infections like candidosis and bacterial vaginosis compared to adults. Targeted prevention programs are crucial for this age group due to early sexual activity.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Adolescent Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Adolescence is associated with the highest incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- An observational study evaluated genital infections in adolescents versus adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence and epidemiological distribution of genital infections in adolescents and adults.
- To identify specific infections prevalent in the adolescent population.
Main Methods:
- Compared infection rates in 54 adolescents (13-19) and 917 adult women (20-40) from April 1995 to April 1999.
- Utilized clinical examinations and microbiological tests for vaginal secretions, including tests for Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma spp., Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Herpes simplex virus.
Main Results:
- Adolescents showed higher rates of candidosis (35%), bacterial vaginosis (31.9%), and mixed flora vaginitis (25.9%) compared to adults.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) was more prevalent in adolescents (1.8% vs 0.6%).
- Chlamydia trachomatis (16.6% vs 1.1%) and Mycoplasma spp. (50% vs 28%) were significantly more frequent in adolescents.
Conclusions:
- Genital infections are more common in adolescents than in the adult control group.
- Adolescents require targeted prevention programs to mitigate consequences of early sexual activity.