Sexually transmitted diseases

• The incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in sexually active female adolescents in the USA is 15-37%. Data in Greece are limited and do not concern mainly adolescent populations. Chlamydia infections can be asymptomatic in 25-50% of cases and they have significant impact on the genital tract. About 15-20 % of pelvic inflammatory disease cases may result from such an infection and there is a well established causative link of this pathogen with fertility problems in adulthood.
• There has been a considerable increase during the past years, of the prevalence of human papillomavirus (ΗPV) and Herpes virus type 2 genital infections in Greece.
• Young adults account for a large and increasing proportion of HIV diagnoses. Lack of awareness and knowledge about HIV prevention measures accompanies high rates of sexual risk behavior. HIV infection in puberty results to HIV clinical disease during the 3rd decade of life. Thus, about 1% and 20% of the total of patients with clinically expressed AIDS are teenagers and 20-29 year olds respectively.