Sexually Transmitted Infections
Table 1. Trends in the epidemiology of STD in Canada (from ref. 4)
| Disease | Prevalence |
|---|---|
| Chlamydia (CT) | Common |
| Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) | Common |
| Genital Herpes | Common |
| HPV/Genital Warts/Cervical CA | Common |
| Gonorrhea (GC) | No longer common |
| Hepatitis A (HAV) | Moderate |
| Hepatitis B (HBV) | Low to moderate |
| HIV | Low to moderate |
| Syphilis | Now rare |
| Chancroid | Exceedingly rare |
| Granuloma inguinale | Exceedingly rare |
This allows for timely interventions to treat and manage infected individuals to reduce or eliminate transmission of STIs. Incorporating these strategies into daily practice is essential if a physician hopes to have a lasting effect on controlling STI in his or her patients and community. Active case finding through routine screening of sexually active patients and especially those identified with high-risk core groups is an essential first step. Physicians should be aware that patients in the 16-24 year old age group have the highest incidence of STD. A number of key sexual behaviors have been associated with STD/HIV transmission as listed in Table 23. The impact of preventive measures and the treatment of infected individuals in these groups are likely to have the greatest impact on STI prevention and control in the community.
Last Modified: September 5, 2006
