Current status of sexually transmitted diseases in Japan

Accession number;04A0862655
Title;Current status of sexually transmitted diseases in Japan
Author;MATSUMOTO TETSURO(Univ. Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Dep. Urology, JPN)   
Journal Title;Amakusa Medical Journal
Journal Code:L0616A
ISSN:0914-2088
VOL.18;NO.;PAGE.1-5(2004)
Figure&Table&Reference;TBL.1, REF.1
Pub. Country;Japan
Language;Japanese
Abstract;There are many intractable problems about sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in this country. They could be classified into several categories as listed below. (1) The number of newly diagnosed cases with HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) infection is steadily increasing in contrast to a decrease in almost all of western industrialized countries. Especially, cases present with signs of completed AIDS are remarkably increasing. Unfortunately, the majority of these cases did not detect the infection until the time of AlDS diagnosis, suggesting that there could be significant numbers of HIV spreaders in this country. (2) STD is no more a special condition which affects people with commercial or unordinary sexual activities. Rather, it affects ordinary people including teenages with a considerably high incidence. However, most people neglect, or may be unaware of this fact. (3) The population of asymptomatic healthy carriers is drastically increasing. We should pay more attention for the significance of latent cases with HIV infection, Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection and Gonococcal infection. The outcome of these silent diseases is often tragetic not only because of the severe and potentially fatal complications but also because of the spread of infection in the local society. It is important to notice that asymptomatic oro-pharyngeal carriers of Chlamydia trachomatis as well as Gonococcus widely exist today. It is definite that we should do something to detect latent carriers and to control these infections. At present, however, there are no organized actions for this issue. (4) There is an increasing chance of infection by changing sexual behaviors of younger generations. The spread of oral sexual activity as well as the increased numbers of sexual partners possibly influenced on the growing incidence and on the changing nature of STD.... (author abst.)