Frequency of co-infection with urogenital chlamydial infection and other sexually transmitted infections and assessment of associated risk factors

UDC: 
616.97
Authors: 

A.A. Abramov1, A.Yu. Brazhnikov1, K.I. Plakhova2,3, N.I. Briko1

Organization: 

1I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8 Trubetskaya St., build. 2, Moscow, 119048, Russian Federation
2State Scientific Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, 3 Korolenko St., build. 6, Moscow, 107076, Russian Federation
3Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, 2/1 Barrikadnaya St., build. 1, 125993, Moscow, Russian Federation

Abstract: 

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) pathogens worldwide. Co-infection with multiple STI pathogens increases the risk of complications and the spread of infections necessitating research of risk factors for effective prevention and control.

We analyzed 1,201 medical histories of patients who sought treatment at a specialized dermatovenereological center between 2005 and 2022. Logistic regression was used to assess the independent influence of each analyzed factor.

Co-infection with multiple pathogens was detected in 7.8 % of patients, more frequently among women (68.1 %) and indi-viduals aged 18–29 years (71.3 %). The main co-infections in patients with urogenital chlamydial infection were anogenital (venereal) warts (80.9 %), anogenital herpes infection (20.2 %), and gonococcal infection (14.8 %). Logistic analysis revealed that the likelihood of co-infection was higher among women (OR = 4.84), minors (OR = 3.26), individuals aged 18–29 years (OR = 1.97), those with regular sexual activity (OR = 1.56), and those not in a marital relationship (OR = 2.72).

This study identified factors associated with co-infection with multiple STI pathogens in patients with chlamydial infection, including female sex, age 18–29 years, being unmarried, and having regular sexual activity. The results emphasize the need for early screening for chlamydial infection and other STIs, as well as preventive measures for high-risk groups.

Keywords: 
Chlamydia trachomatis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), co-infection, risk factors, epidemiology, urogenital chlamydial infection, incidence, risk assessment
Abramov A.A., Brazhnikov A.Yu., Plakhova K.I., Briko N.I. Frequency of co-infection with urogenital chlamydial infection and other sexually transmitted infections and assessment of associated risk factors. Health Risk Analysis, 2025, no. 1, pp. 88–95. DOI: 10.21668/health.risk/2025.1.08.eng
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Received: 
14.02.2025
Approved: 
19.03.2025
Accepted for publication: 
27.03.2025

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