The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among migrant female patients in Italy. Issue 2 (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laganà, Antonio S.; Gavagni, Valeria; Musubao, Justine V.; Pizzo, Alfonsa
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics. Volume 128:Issue 2(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 165
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Migrants -- Screening -- Sexually transmitted infections; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.08.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7292

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among migrant women incoming to Italy. Methods: A single-center, prospective, observational study was conducted of migrant women who had attended an outpatient clinic in Messina, Italy, between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2013. Participants underwent a gynecologic examination and a cervical smear test. Patients who showed cytologic alterations underwent human papillomavirus (HPV) typing by PCR and allele-specific hybridization. Routine tests for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV, and syphilis were done for pregnant participants. Results: Overall, 724 women were enrolled, of whom 320 (44.2%) were pregnant. The mean ± SD age was 33.1 ± 9.8 years. Cytologic abnormalities were recorded for 76 (10.5%) participants. Among 46 who attended a follow-up clinic, 32 (69.6%) tested positive for HPV serotypes. Among the pregnant women, 9 (2.8%) had HBV infection, 3 (0.9%) had HCV infection, and 1 (0.3%) had HIV infection. No cases of syphilis were recorded. Conclusion: The prevalence of STIs among migrant women in Messina is similar to that among nonmigrants.