Sexually Transmitted Infections as a Challenge of Modern Society: Old Problems and Modern Solutions

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Infectious Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 August 2025 | Viewed by 1881

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
STI/HIV Unit, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Via Elioi Chianes 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
Interests: infectious disease epidemiology; sexually transmitted infections; HIV infection; immunology of infectious diseases; viral infections; emerging infectious diseases; infectious disease surveillance; infectious disease transmission

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
STI/HIV Unit, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
Interests: sexually transmitted infections; HIV infection; Kaposi sarcoma; human papillomavirus infection; cutaneous/mucosal infections; infection diseases epidemiology and prevention; dermatology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, a growing incidence in the literature of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been reported worldwide (syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia infections), underscoring the continued relevance of these diseases in modern day society. The HIV epidemic continues to significantly influence STI prevalence, particularly more recently as a result of the wide spread use of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) playing a pivotal role in reducing HIV transmission but potentially affecting the patterns of other STIs. Concurrently, the management of HPV-related infections continues to present ongoing challenges, particularly in light of emerging concerns about vaccine coverage and the impact of vaccination programs.

The rising costs of STI management, alongside persistent issues of privacy, stigma, and counseling, further complicate the fight and prevention against these infections. The interplay between substance use, including chemsex, and STI risk also necessitates further investigation, as the evolution of these behaviors continues to shape transmission dynamics. Advances in therapeutic strategies, such as the use of doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis, offer new opportunities for managing bacterial STIs, yet raise concerns about resistance and long-term efficacy.

This collaboration seeks to address these issues, bringing together experts to explore both traditional and novel solutions, sharing best practices, and examining evolving approaches to STI prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Dr. Mauro Zaccarelli
Dr. Alessandra Latini
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • human papilloma virus (HPV)
  • syphilis
  • gonorrhea
  • chlamydia trachomatis
  • HIV infection
  • PrEP
  • chemsex

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

18 pages, 2539 KiB  
Review
HPV Infection in Children and Adolescents—A Comprehensive Review
by Paulina Tomecka, Anna Karwowska, Jacek Kuźnicki, Katarzyna Skinderowicz, Aleksandra Wojno, Kornelia Markut, Paulina Typek, Urszula Ciesielska, Julita Kulbacka and Małgorzata Drąg-Zalesińska
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(7), 2425; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072425 - 2 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a predominant and clinically significant virus affecting individuals of all ages, including children and adolescents. Despite its well-documented role in adult health, particularly in cervical cancer, HPV’s impact on younger populations still remains underexplored. Methods: This review investigates [...] Read more.
Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a predominant and clinically significant virus affecting individuals of all ages, including children and adolescents. Despite its well-documented role in adult health, particularly in cervical cancer, HPV’s impact on younger populations still remains underexplored. Methods: This review investigates the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, transmission pathways, and historical context of HPV in children and adolescents. Results: The study demonstrates a significant prevalence of HPV DNA within paediatric populations, with diverse clinical manifestations such as verruca vulgaris, anogenital warts, and Juvenile Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis, alongside substantiating vertical transmission from mother to infant. We also highlight ground-breaking research milestones, including improvements in genetic studies, the development of HPV vaccines, and ongoing investigations into infection dynamics, and long-term health outcomes. Conclusions: By synthesising existing knowledge, this review aims to enhance clinical decision-making, improve management strategies, and pave the way for future research in HPV-related paediatric diseases. Full article
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28 pages, 1462 KiB  
Review
Cervicovaginal Microbiome: Physiology, Age-Related Changes, and Protective Role Against Human Papillomavirus Infection
by Diana Alizhan, Talshyn Ukybassova, Gauri Bapayeva, Gulzhanat Aimagambetova, Kuralay Kongrtay, Nazira Kamzayeva and Milan Terzic
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(5), 1521; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051521 - 24 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the leading cause of cervical cancer. Developing evidence suggests that the cervicovaginal microbiome plays a significant role in modulating HPV persistence and progression to cervical neoplasia. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the interplay [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the leading cause of cervical cancer. Developing evidence suggests that the cervicovaginal microbiome plays a significant role in modulating HPV persistence and progression to cervical neoplasia. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the interplay between the cervicovaginal microbiome and local immunity in HPV infections, emphasizing microbial diversity, immune responses, and potential therapeutic implications. Methods: A thorough review of the literature was performed using Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, encompassing studies published between 2000 and 2024. Studies examining the composition of the microbiome, immune responses, and HPV-related outcomes were evaluated and synthesized into a comprehensive review. Results: A Lactobacillus-dominant microbiome, particularly with L. crispatus, creates a protective environment through lactic acid production, maintenance of low pH, and anti-inflammatory immune modulation, facilitating HPV clearance. Dysbiosis, often characterized by a dominance of L. iners and overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, fosters chronic inflammation, cytokine imbalance, and a microenvironment conducive to HPV persistence and progression. Hormonal changes and menopause exacerbate these microbial shifts, increasing the risk of cervical lesions. Studies suggest that cytokine profiles and antimicrobial peptides significantly influence local immune responses, further modulating infection outcomes. Conclusions: The cervicovaginal microbiome is a critical determinant in HPV infection outcomes, with therapeutic potential for modulating the microbiome to enhance immune responses and prevent cervical cancer. Personalized microbiome-targeted therapies may offer a novel avenue for managing HPV and reducing cervical cancer incidence. Full article
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