[Sexually transmitted diseases in Poland in 2003]

In 2003 year 982 cases of all forms of syphilis were notified in Poland; incidence 2.57 per 100 000 population. The largest number of cases was in mazowieckie (257), dolnoślaskie (124) and slaskie (131) voivodeships. The lowest was registered in kujawsko-pomorskie (13), opolskie (14) and swietokrzyskie (15) voivodeships. There were 446 recognized cases of early symptomatic syphilis and 13 cases of congenital syphilis. Latent syphilis (early and tarda) was diagnosed insufficiently due to decreased number of screening studies. In 2003 year there were 941 932 serum samples tested toward sexually transmitted diseases--it is 35% of the number of 1999 year. In 2003 year there were 670 cases of gonorrhoea notified; incidence 1.75 per 100 000 population. The lower number of venereal diseases notified in 2003 does not imply the actual smaller number of illness (cases). It suggests the less number of case reports. It is necessary to increase the budget assigned to diagnose and cost-free treatment of all venereal patients.