Prevalence of positive serology for sexually transmitted infections among older adults

• Main Authors: Gilberto Santos Morais Junior (Author), Yvison Nycollas Candido Pires (Author), Cristhiane Campos Marques (Author), Carla Nunes de Araújo (Author), William Khalil El-Chaer (Author), Ciro Martins Gomes (Author), Clayton Franco Moraes (Author), Otávio Toledo Nóbrega (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, 2024-10-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Objective: To determine the seroreactivity profile for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Epidemiological survey using serological screening tests for reactivity to Treponema pallidum, HIV 1/2, and hepatitis B and C viruses in 495 older individuals (59.9% women) investigated regardless of signs or symptoms of STIs. Results: Reactivity rates for the etiological agents of AIDS and viral hepatitis B and C were compatible with the usual prevalence of these STIs in the Brazilian population. However, there was a very high prevalence of reactivity to syphilis (symptomatic or asymptomatic) in the group, equivalent to approximately 1290 cases per 10 000 older population, which suggests a proportionally greater exposure of older adults to infection with T. pallidum and to the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with STIs. Conclusions: This scenario indicates that adjustments are needed in geriatric centers to consider screening for STIs as an integral part of the routine clinical care of older people.

Item Description

2447-2123
10.53886/gga.e0000198_EN