Contracting sexually transmitted infections in adolescence may increase risk of HIV infection

Date: Aug-15-2013According to a new study from the American Journal of Public Health, individuals who contract sexually transmitted infections during their teen years have a greater HIV risk into young adulthood. Furthermore, the greater the number of STIs contracted during their teen years, the greater the risk of subsequent HIV.

Researchers analyzed a large sample of Philadelphia high school students born between 1985 and 1993 who participated in the Philadelphia High School STD Screening Program. The program, which includes education about STIs and HIV and STI screening, was studied between 2003 and 2010. The studied cohort was matched to existing STI and HIV surveillance data sets and death certificates to estimate the connection between existing STIs and potential HIV risk.

Results indicated that 23 percent of participants did test positive for an STI between the ages of 11 and 19. The most common were chlamydia and gonorrhea. All bacterial STIs reported during adolescence elevated the risk of HIV. Furthermore, reporting more than one STI during adolescence increased the risk for HIV even more.

"The results are quite worrisome, especially when considered in the context of the current trend in adolescent STI rates across the United States. This may be the warning for a new epidemic of HIV among young adults during the next five to 10 years. However, these results also indicate an opportunity for intervention - at the time of STI diagnosis," the authors write.
Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.