Sexually Transmitted Infections Rates are Rising

The BMJ Journal recently published an Editorial confirming the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI) are rising in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States (U.S.)

Published on June 30, 2023, these researchers stated ...We have the tools to respond (to these increases) and must deploy them urgently!

In June 2023, the U.K. Health Security Agency reported a 23.8% increase in STI diagnoses in 2022 compared with 2021, including chlamydia (24.3%), gonorrhea (50.3%), and syphilis (15.2%).

Similar trends have emerged in the U.S., where syphilis diagnoses rose by 28.6%.

And in Canada, where rates of syphilis rose by 20%.

This situation is important for a few reasons, wrote Patrick O’Byrne, full professor and nurse practitioner, University of Ottawa, School of Nursing, Lauren Orser, doctoral candidate, and Abigail Kroch, director, Ontario HIV Treatment Network.

Firstly, STIs cause harm, including pelvic inflammatory disease, disseminated gonococcal infection, and neurosyphilis.

Secondly, drug-resistant gonorrhea is now being reported internationally, showing the spread of antimicrobial resistance. 

To read the full editorial, please visit this BMJ link.

Furthermore, there have been frequent reassurances of mpox cases and vaccine (JYNNEOS® (MVA-BN, IMVANEX®) breakthrough confirmations in 2023.

As of Ju;y 2023, mpox outbreaks have been identified in Chicago, Denver, London, New York, Paris, Seoul, and Tokyo.

In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration has approved vaccines that can prevent certain sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. As of July 2, 2023, a STI vaccine overview was updated by Precision Vaccinations.