Sexually transmitted diseases and travel

• Published in: International journal of antimicrobial agents Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 131 - 134
• Main Authors: Memish, Ziad A, Osoba, Abimbola O
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier B.V 01.02.2003; Amsterdam Elsevier; New York, NY
• Subjects: Bacterial diseases; Bacterial diseases of the genital system; Biological and medical sciences; Control; Female; HIV Infections - prevention & control; HIV Infections - transmission; Human bacterial diseases; Human mycoses; Human viral diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Male; Medical sciences; Mycoses; Mycoses of the genital system; Prevention; Sex Work; Sexual Behavior; Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); Sexually Transmitted Diseases - prevention & control; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - transmission; STDs among travellers; Travel; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the genital and urinary system; Prevention; STDs among travellers; Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); Travel; Control; Human; Immunopathology; AIDS; Immune deficiency; Infection; Sexually transmitted disease; Viral disease; Public health
• ISSN: 0924-8579; 1872-7913
• DOI: 10.1016/S0924-8579(02)00281-9

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections and resulting clinical syndromes caused by more than 25 infectious organisms transmitted through sexual activity. International travellers are at great risk of contracting any of these STDs, including HIV, if they have been sexually exposed to persons with any of these diseases. Population movement has been shown to be a major contributing factor in the global spread of STDs. Increased sexual promiscuity and casual sexual relationships tend to occur during travel abroad to foreign countries. Travellers should be aware that the risk of STDs is high especially in the developing countries and sexual encounter with casual partners or commercial sex workers (CSWs) carries a high risk of infection. Prevention of STDs during travel can be achieved by complete abstinence from sexual exposure or adopting safe sexual practices such as consistently and correctly using a latex condom during sexual contact.