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When is it a sexually transmitted infection? Intimate contact transmission of pathogens not traditionally defined as
Angelo Roberto Raccagni1, Antonella Castagna1,2, Silvia Nozza1,2
1Infectious Diseases Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University.
Purpose Of Review:
Several microorganisms, which are not traditionally considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are capable of sexual transmission and have the potential to cause global outbreaks. The aim of this review is to describe pathogens which are not traditionally defined as STIs, to grant insight on current and potential outbreaks and call for clinical vigilance among members of key populations.
Recent Findings:
Recent findings emphasize that several pathogens, not traditionally classified as STIs, can be sexually transmissible. These include the mpox virus, enteric infections such as Shigella spp., dermatophytes such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes, ectoparasites and atypical bacterial genito-urinary infections such as Neisseria meningitidis. The internationally reported outbreaks and the reports on potential sexual transmission of these pathogens underlines the emerging risks, the need for a broader STI definition and the importance of vigilant public health control strategies.
Summary:
These findings suggest that clinical practice should broaden STI testing and awareness to include pathogens not traditionally considered sexually transmissible, particularly among key populations. Clinicians must be vigilant for atypical presentations, ensuring comprehensive sexual healthcare and diagnostic testing. Development of targeted preventive efforts and continuous surveillance to detect and manage emerging sexually transmissible infections is paramount.
Insights
Emerging sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include mpox virus and Shigella. Broader STI awareness and testing are crucial for public health, especially in key populations, to manage potential global outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) traditionally encompass a defined set of pathogens.
- Several microorganisms not typically classified as STIs are increasingly recognized as sexually transmissible.
- These non-traditional pathogens pose risks for global outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pathogens not traditionally defined as STIs.
- To provide insight into current and potential outbreaks caused by these pathogens.
- To emphasize the need for clinical vigilance in key populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent findings on sexually transmissible pathogens.
- Analysis of reported outbreaks and potential transmission routes.
- Synthesis of information on public health implications.
Main Results:
- Pathogens like mpox virus, Shigella spp., Trichophyton mentagrophytes, ectoparasites, and Neisseria meningitidis exhibit sexual transmissibility.
- International outbreaks highlight the emerging risks associated with these non-traditional STIs.
- There is a clear need for a broader definition of STIs and enhanced public health surveillance.
Conclusions:
- Clinical practice should expand STI testing and awareness to include non-traditional pathogens.
- Healthcare providers must be vigilant for atypical presentations and ensure comprehensive sexual healthcare.
- Targeted prevention, continuous surveillance, and prompt management are essential for emerging sexually transmissible infections.
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