Epidemiology of Trichomoniasis in South Korea and Increasing Trend in Incidence, Health Insurance Review and Assessment 2009-2014

Abstract

Trichomoniasis, which is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is one of the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infections; however, limited population-based data are available that describe patterns and trends of the disease. We summarized insurance claims of trichomoniasis cases reported during 2009–2014 to South Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. The average annual incidence in South Korea was 276.8 persons per 100,000 population, and a substantial sex-associated variation was observed. The incidence rate among female subjects trended upward over 6 years, that is, it increased from 501 in 2009 to 625.8 in 2014 per 100,000 female population, which indicates a 25% overall increase. This trend was sharpest in the ≥60 years group of female population. However, a 66% decrease in incidence rates was observed among male subjects (23.7 in 2009 to 15.7 in 2014 per 100,000 male population). Further, substantial decrease was observed in the ≥40 years groups of male population. The incidence of trichomoniasis varied across regions and was the highest in Jeju province of South Korea. Overall, as the incidence of trichomoniasis appears to have increased in South Korea during 2009–2014, the disease burden is increasing; hence, there is a need to better understand the disease transmission.

Spatiotemporal Clusters and Trend of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection in Korea

“…The incidence and prevalence of trichomoniasis are known to be varied depending on the population, time, and region, but they are higher in women and older age groups compared to men or younger age groups [ 24 ]. Joo et al [ 25 ] have reported that trichomoniasis emerged as the most common non-viral sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among the total population during 2009–2014. Some overlap occurs, but in the current study, we strived to further analyze more recent data statistically.…”

Prevalence of Pathogens and Other Microorganisms in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women with Vulvovaginal Symptoms: A Retrospective Study in a Single Institute in South Korea

“…The prevalence of T. vaginalis infection varies from region to region, and annual incidence of South Korea is reported to be about 537.2 patients per 100,000 female persons. The age group with highest incidence was 40-49 years [31]. No case was detected in other studies using microscopy [7] and another report stated that vaginitis of T. vaginalis was uncommon in less than 1% of cases [29].…”

Aquisição de conhecimentos sobre saúde sexual por pessoas cegas: uma pesquisa-ação

“…It is understood that misinformation in the context of sexual health entails limitations for people, since they require specific components for access to information ( 11 ) , in addition to expanding the possibilities of contracting an STI. STIs, such as Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Human Papillomavirus, reported by the participants, are considered a global public health problem ( 27 ) .…”

“…The occurrence of these infections was higher in the 20-29 age group ( 1 ) , differing from a study in South Korea where the incidence was higher in women aged 60 years or older. However, the incidence for men increased from 23.7 in 2009 to 15.7 per 100,000 in 2014, with a marked reduction in groups of 40 years or more of this population ( 27 ) . A study carried out in Shanghai reports that, in addition to the incidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae being the highest of bacterial STIs, it can produce severe complications as well as emerging resistance to third generation cephalosporins, allowing the emergence of a potentially intractable gonorrhea era ( 28 ) .…”