[Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Tropics].

Area of Science:

• Tropical Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are globally prevalent, with an estimated 500 million cases annually for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
• 75% of these infections occur in tropical regions, including Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and South/Southeast Asia.
• Bacterial tropical STIs include chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), and granuloma inguinale (GI, also known as Donovanosis).

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and discuss bacterial tropical STIs.
• To highlight the geographical distribution and associated risk factors of these infections.
• To emphasize the link between tropical STIs, skin ulcerations, and increased HIV/STI transmission risk.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of epidemiological data on STIs.
• Focus on specific bacterial infections prevalent in tropical zones.
• Analysis of risk factors, including climate, socioeconomic status, and sexual practices.

Main Results:

• Tropical STIs are concentrated in equatorial regions (between 23.5° N and S latitudes) characterized by hot, humid climates, poverty, and underdevelopment.
• Chancroid, LGV, and GI are primarily associated with skin ulcerations.
• Skin ulcerations significantly increase the risk of HIV and other STI transmission.

Conclusions:

• Tropical STIs represent a distinct and significant public health challenge in specific geographical areas.
• The presence of skin ulcerations due to these infections exacerbates HIV/STI epidemics.
• Minimizing the risk of tropical STIs requires avoiding high-risk sexual behaviors and consistent condom use.