보문(Article)
Molecular and Cellular Microbiology (MCM) | Microbial Genetics, Physiology and Metabolism
Microbiol. Biotechnol. Lett. 2022; 50(2): 270-276
https://doi.org/10.48022/mbl.2204.04006
Received: April 13, 2022; Revised: May 30, 2022; Accepted: June 3, 2022
Laboratory Investigation of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Elderly Population of South Korea
Eun Ju Oh1†, Jang Mook Kim2†, and Jae Kyung Kim3*
1Department of Medical Laser, Dankook University Graduate School of Medicine, Chungnam 31116, Republic of Korea
2Department of Health Administration, 3Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Dankook University College of Health Sciences, Chungnam 31116, Republic of Korea
Correspondence to :
Jae Kyung Kim, nerowolf@naver.com
Abstract
This study analyzed the epidemiological trends of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) according to age and sex among individuals aged 50 years or older in South Korea from September 2018 to December 2020. We found that the positivity rate for Gardnerella vaginalis was the highest in the study group, followed by the positivity rate for Ureaplasma parvum (UP). Interestingly, the positivity rates for Mycoplasma hominis and UP were higher in female participants than in male participants. The positivity rate for Treponema pallidum was very low in the female participants. During the study period, the positivity rate for herpes simplex virus 2 increased in the female participants, while the positivity rate for Candida increased in the male participants. These results show that the STI positivity rate varies according to age and sex, and a difference was observed in the average age of positive participants according to the type of STIs. We found a clear pattern of infection in the elderly population and according to sex. Our findings are expected to be used as baseline data for future research, education, and prevention of STIs in the elderly population.
Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, elderly, Gardnerella vaginalis, sexually transmitted infections
Graphical Abstract
Introduction
The aging population is a global trend due to the development of medical technology, improved standards of living, and improved health care [1], such that approximately 22% of the global population is expected to be over 60 years old in almost 40 years [2]. Population aging in South Korea is progressing faster than that in any other country, with individuals aged ≥65 years accounting for more than 14% of the total population [3]. The rapid aging of the population may be the most important and dynamic aspect of modern demographics, resulting in a substantial impact on public health [4].
While sexual activity levels typically decrease with age after 65 years [5], large proportions of older adults desire sexual contact and engage in sexual activity [5, 6]. As an important component of the lives of the elderly, there is a need to recognize the possibility of sexual activity and sexually transmitted diseases [7]. Sexual activity is an important part of later life [8], frequently associated with better cardiovascular health [9, 10], higher self-esteem [5], and higher life enjoyment levels [11]. Improved longevity, evolving societal norms, and physiological changes may place older people at risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [12].
STIs are some of the most frequent communicable diseases globally, representing a major social issue [13] and public health crisis worldwide including the United States [14]. There are more than 30 types of STIs caused by different pathogens including bacteria, viruses and parasites that may differ in terms of clinical manifestations [15]. STIs are primarily a health issue prevalent in the young population, both in terms of incidence and health sequelae [12]. Since sexually transmitted diseases occur through sexual intercourse, most social interest, prevention, and academic studies on sexually transmitted diseases are focused on the young population [7]. However, several studies have reported that the elderly also have active sexual desire and their sex life is more active than expected [7]. In South Korea, there are few studies on the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in the elderly. In general, there is a prejudice that the elderly do not indulge in sexual activity, directly reducing the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases [7]. Regarding sex, the elderly themselves and society as a whole still view it negatively [1]. Despite the growing awareness of the sex life of the elderly, studies on sexually transmitted diseases are limited in this population of Korea and globally [7], with insufficient related medical policies. Despite the growing discussion around the recognition of sexuality and sexual activity in older age, there is limited research available on rates and patterns of sexual practices and STIs in this demographic [12]. The health burden of STIs, while primarily borne by the young population, is not trivial in the elderly population [16].
Particularly in South Korea, which is already experiencing an aging society, its importance cannot be overlooked, and social empathy and policy support are needed [17]. Therefore, the present study analyzed the epidemiological trends of STIs according to age and sex for those 50 years or older in South Korea from September 2018 to December 2020. The aim of this study was to provide information that can be used to prevent and control STIs, reduce their incidence, and improve sexual health and public health by analyzing the prevalence of STIs in the elderly over 60 years of age.
Materials and Methods
Study patients and design
From September 2018 to December 2020, the data of 59,381 specimens were collected from outpatients across primary and secondary hospitals in South Korea who requested U2Bio (Korea) for molecular biological testing for venereal disease of their samples. The data were analyzed by classifying samples into other (catheter, pus, and tissue), swab, and urine samples.
Ethical approval
The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Dankook University (IRB No. 2021-03- 056). In this study, patient consent was exempted because the statistics of tests conducted by medical institutions were used for diagnosis and the patient’s personal information was not used.
Nucleic acid extraction
The collected clinical samples were stored at -70℃ until DNA isolation by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (mPCR). DNA for the mPCR assay was extracted using the ExiPrep™ Dx Bacteria Genomic DNA Kit (Bioneer, Korea) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Concentrations of the extracted DNA samples were measured using the AccuPower® STI8B-Plex Real-Time PCR Kit (Bioneer).
Real-time PCR analysis
Real-time PCR analysis was performed using the AccuPower® STI8B-Plex Real-Time PCR Kit with the ExicyclerTM 96 Real-Time Quantitative Thermal Block (ExicyclerTM 96, Bioneer), according to the manufacturer’s protocol. The amplification protocol comprised one cycle at 95℃ for 5 min and 45 cycles at 95℃ for 5 s and 55℃ for 5 s. The threshold cycle was determined according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Table 1 . Target genes and their product sizes for RT-PCR.
Pathogen Target gene Product size (bp) Candida albicans 5S rRNA 101 Chlamydia trachomatis ompA 88 Gardnerella vaginalis 16s rRNA 130 Herpes simplex virus type 1us 4111 Herpes simplex virus type 2Gg 86 Mycoplasma genitalium MaPa 131 Mycoplasma hominis Gap 88 Neisseria gonorrhoeae 16s rRNA 90 Treponema pallidum polA 136 Trichomonas vaginalis beta tubulin 111 Ureaplasma parvum ureC 138 Ureaplasma urealyticum uREc 125
The presence of the following 12 pathogens was evaluated:
Statistical analysis
SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., USA) was used to perform all statistical analyses including descriptive statistical analysis and frequency analysis. MH and MG DNA detected using real-time PCR was analyzed based on the sex and age of the patients and the type of sample. A
Results
Statistical analysis by sex
From August 2018 to December 2020, a total of 59,381 STI tests showed 32,312 (54.41%) positive results (Table 2).
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Table 2 . Age and sex distribution of positivity rates for STIs between 2018 and 2020.
NG CT UU MG MH TV GV Candida UP TP HSV-1 HSV-2 Total test ( n )59,381 59,381 59,381 59,381 59,381 59,381 59,381 59,381 59,381 59,381 59,381 59,381 Male 45,833 45,833 45,833 45,833 45,833 45,833 45,833 45,833 45,833 45,833 45,833 45,833 Female 13,548 13,548 13,548 13,548 13,548 13,548 13,548 13,548 13,548 13,548 13,548 13,548 Positive ( n )1,509 4,228 8,486 1,942 3,273 170 20,718 1,941 10,660 21 174 1,255 Male 1,454 3,875 6,752 1,746 2,067 78 13,186 381 5,670 19 154 843 Female 55 353 1,734 196 1,206 92 7,532 1,560 4,990 2 20 412 Positive rate 2.54% 7.12% 14.29% 3.27% 5.51% 0.29% 34.89% 3.27% 17.95% 0.04% 0.29% 2.11% Male 3.17% 8.45% 14.73% 3.81% 4.51% 0.17% 28.77% 0.83% 12.37% 0.04% 0.34% 1.84% Female 0.41% 2.61% 12.80% 1.45% 8.90% 0.68% 55.59% 11.51% 36.83% 0.01% 0.15% 3.04% Positive average
Age (year)31.1 30.7 37.5 31.8 37.9 42.0 39.1 38.3 39.0 29.0 32.5 39.6 Male 31.2 30.9 37.0 32.2 37.4 44.8 38.3 40.9 38.8 29.2 31.6 36.4 Female 27.8 28.8 39.4 28.2 38.8 39.6 40.4 37.7 39.2 27.0 39.0 46.2 The elderly (50~>70) Total test ( n )17,102 17,102 17,102 17,102 17,102 17,102 17,102 17,102 17,102 17,102 17,102 17,102 Male 11,722 11,722 11,722 11,722 11,722 11,722 11,722 11,722 11,722 11,722 11,722 11,722 Female 5,380 5,380 5,380 5,380 5,380 5,380 5,380 5,380 5,380 5,380 5,380 5,380 Positive ( n )90 287 1,915 110 760 62 5,302 384 2,564 1 15 347 Male 84 234 1,329 99 407 34 3,000 107 1,349 1 8 144 Female 6 53 586 11 353 28 2,302 277 1,215 0 7 203 Positive rate 0.53% 1.68% 11.20% 0.64% 4.44% 0.36% 31.00% 2.25% 14.99% 0.01% 0.09% 2.03% Male 1.91% 5.31% 30.17% 2.25% 9.24% 0.77% 68.10% 2.43% 30.62% 0.02% 0.18% 3.27% Female 0.22% 1.92% 21.22% 0.40% 12.78% 1.01% 83.35% 10.03% 43.99% 0.00% 0.25% 7.35% NG,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae ; CT,Chlamydia trachomatis ; UU,Ureaplasma urealyticum ; MG,Mycoplasma genitalium ; MH,Mycoplasma hominis ; TV,Trichomonas vaginalis ; GV,Gardnerella vaginalis ; UP,Ureaplasma parvum ; TP,Treponema pallidum ; HSV, herpes simplex virus.
Of the 59,381 patients included in this study, 45,833 (77.18%) were male and 23,094 male patients (50.39%) tested positive for STIs. Of the 59,381 patients included, 13,548 (22.82%) were female and 9,218 female patients (68.04%) tested positive for STIs. The test positivity rates in male patients for NG, CT, UU, MG, MH, TV, GV,
Statistical analysis by the elderly. The elderly is the positivity rate of STI analyzed for the elderly over 50. In the elderly, the test positivity rates in male participants for NG, CT, UU, MG, MH, TV, GV,
Statistics by age
Of the patients who were positive for HSV-2, the average age of male participants was 36.41 years and that of female participants was 46.18 years. Among the 12 STIs, the highest average age was 44.83 years for TV in male participants and 46.18 years old for HSV-2 in female participants (Table 2).
In age-specific analysis of
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Figure 1.Positivity rates for STIs according to age and sex in individuals aged 50 years or older. The bar represents 12 pathogens positive rates.
The upper bar graph is the male positive rate and the lower bar graph is the female positive rate. Abbreviation: NG, Neisseria gonorrhoeae ; CT,Chlamydia trachomatis ; UU,Ureaplasma urealyticum ; MG,Mycoplasma genitalium ; MH,Mycoplasma hominis ; TV,Trichomonas vaginalis ; GV,Gardnerella vaginalis ; UP,Ureaplasma parvum ; TP,Treponema pallidum ; HSV, Herpes simplex virus.
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Figure 2.Positivity rates for Candida , HSV-1, and HSV-2 according to age and sex in individuals aged 50 years or older. The yellow line represents Candida positivity rates. The green line represents HSV 1 positivity rates. The blue line represents HSV 2 positivity rates. Abbreviation: HSV, Herpes simplex virus.
In age-specific analysis of HSV-2, the highest positivity rate was observed at 4.05% (37/323) in female participants aged >70 years and at 1.27% (4/2816) in male participants aged 50–59 years (Fig. 1). A distinct infection pattern was observed in different age groups.
Elder female and male participants had higher positivity rates for HSV-2 and
Statistics by year
The following results are the annual analysis results of STIs from September 2018 to December 2020. In male participants, the positivity rate for STIs was the highest at 39.82% (450/1130) in 2018 and the lowest at 36.48% (2165/5934) in 2020 (Fig. 3). In female participants, the positivity rate for STIs was the highest at 62.30% (319/512) in 2018 and the lowest at 49.33% (1438/2915) in 2020 (Fig. 3). In total, the positivity rate for STIs was the highest at 46.83% (769/1642) in 2018 and the lowest at 40.72% (3603/8849) in 2020 (Fig. 3). The positivity rate for STIs in both male and female participants showed a decreasing trend during the study period.
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Figure 3.Positivity rates for STIs during the period from 2018 to 2020.
The light blue bar represents 12 pathogens positive rates in male. The light orange bar represents 12 pathogens positive rates in female. The green line represents 12 pathogens positive rates in total.
Discussion
This study analyzed the epidemiological trends of STIs according to age and sex for those aged 50 years or older in South Korea from September 2018 to December 2020.
We found that the positivity rate was the highest for GV in the study participants, followed by that for UP. In particular, the positivity rates for MH and UP were higher in female participants than in male participants. The positivity rate for TP was very low in the female participants. During the study period, the positivity rate for HSV-2 increased in the female participants and that for
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of STIs has more than doubled over the past decade among U.S. adults over the age of 65 years. The incidence of TP, CT, and NG infections has been reported to have increased [19]. The World Health Organization reported that the prevalence of MG infection is 1−3% in the general population with an active sex life and that of MH and UU is 20−50% and 40−80%, respectively, in asymptomatic female patients with an active sex life [20]. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported CT as the most common bacterial STI in the United States, with the highest incidence in young female patients [18]. In the elderly, the incidence of gonorrhea is highest, followed by that of vaginitis, syphilis, and genital herpes [1]. According to a 2017 STI survey conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the increase was found to have stopped [7]. Our results also showed that the STI positivity rate in both male and female participants decreased during the study period.
According to studies conducted in Western society, where signs of aging present earlier than in Korea, the incidence of venereal diseases in the elderly has increased with aging [7]. These results are related not only to a decrease in T-cell activity and immunoglobulin production with age progression [7] but also to weakening of various aging-related immune functions [7, 21], leading to aging tissue becoming more vulnerable to HIV and other STIs [7].
Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) is a diagnostic tool that does not allow antimicrobial sensitivity evaluation [22]. However, to improve screening of resistant gonorrhea strains, a new molecular test method using PCR, single-nucleotide polymorphism, or a base sequence to identify resistance has been studied [22], and realtime PCR is currently being performed for STI detection. In this study, real-time PCR was also performed to detect STIs, and as a result of the analysis, it was observed that up to 9 STIs were present in duplicates as a result of duplicate infection.
This study has some limitations. First, it was difficult to understand the infection trend of STIs because 3 years can be considered relatively short. Second, it was difficult to obtain a history of venereal diseases from the elderly because they were reluctant to discuss information related to venereal diseases. Lastly, the sample data were anonymously processed and the patient's residence and geographic location could not be identified. Despite these restrictions, we found a clear pattern of infection in the elderly and according to sex. Our findings are expected to be used as baseline data for future research, education, and prevention of STIs in the elderly population.
In future studies, long-term research on the prevalence of STIs in the elderly and overlapping infections is needed, and continuous interest and monitoring is required due to rapid population aging.
Abbreviations
mPCR, multiplex polymerase chain reaction; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; STIs, sexually transmitted infections; NG,
Conflict of Interest
The authors have no financial conflicts of interest to declare.
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