Complacency over sexually transmitted infections leads to rise in cases

London Andrew Cole

Sexually transmitted infections in the United Kingdom are continuing to rise, according to latest figures from the Health Protection Agency, the infectious diseases watchdog. The figures show particularly big increases in new cases of chlamydia and syphilis.

Almost 110 000 cases of chlamydia were diagnosed in genitourinary medicine clinics in 2005, an increase of 5% over the previous year and a 223% increase in the past 10 years. Almost three quarters of last year's cases were in the 16-24 age group.

It is vital to “shatter the complacency” that still exists in young people about sexual diseases, said Peter Borriello, director of the agency's Centre for Infections.

Ref: BMJ