Sexually transmitted infections triple in Cyprus, European health body warns

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have surged in Cyprus over the past five years, with some cases tripling in number, according to a new report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

The report, released early last week, shows significant increases in syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea cases in Cyprus, while also raising concerns about antimicrobial resistance to current antibiotics.

Syphilis cases in Cyprus rose from 31 per 100,000 people in 2019 to 95 per 100,000 in 2023, while gonorrhoea infections jumped from 2 per 100,000 to 25 per 100,000 during the same period. Chlamydia saw the most dramatic increase, surging from 1 case per 100,000 in 2019 to 63 per 100,000 in 2023.

The trend mirrors a broader European increase, with the EU/EEA region recording nearly 100,000 confirmed gonorrhoea cases in 2023, marking a 31% rise from 2022 and a more than 300% increase since 2014.

“The emergence of drug-resistant strains threatens the effectiveness of current treatments, making prevention and responsible antibiotic use vital,” the ECDC said in its report.

Across Europe, syphilis cases reached 41,051 in 2023 across 29 EU/EEA countries, showing a 13% increase from 2022 and doubling since 2014. The infection affects men disproportionately, with seven males diagnosed for every female case.

Young adults are particularly affected, with the highest rates of gonorrhoea among women aged 20-24 years – showing a 46% increase in 2023 – while men aged 25-34 recorded the highest rates for their gender.

The ECDC emphasised the importance of preventive measures, including consistent condom use for all types of sexual activity, and encouraged regular testing, especially for young people with multiple or casual sexual partners.

Five key sexually transmitted infections

Gonorrhoea, caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium, affects all sexually active individuals and can be transmitted during sexual contact or from mother to newborn during childbirth. The infection rates increased by 321% between 2014 and 2023, reaching their highest levels since European STI surveillance began in 2009.

Chlamydia remains the most commonly reported bacterial STI, particularly affecting young people. The infection can target multiple organs, including genitals, throat, cervix, and eyes. Approximately 80% of women and 50% of men remain asymptomatic when infected, with untreated cases potentially leading to serious complications, including infertility.

Syphilis, caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium, can spread through sexual contact, skin lesions, mother-to-child transmission, blood products, or organ transplantation. Current data shows infection rates are seven times higher in men than women, with men aged 25-34 showing the highest rates at 43 cases per 100,000 population.

Congenital syphilis, transmitted from mother to foetus during pregnancy or delivery, can result in miscarriage, intrauterine death, or infection of the foetus, depending on the stage of pregnancy when infection occurs.

Lymphogranuloma venereum causes genital blisters and leads to swollen, painful lymph nodes in the groin, pelvis, or rectum. While typically treatable with antibiotics, untreated cases can cause long-term damage to the lymphatic system and increase the risk of HIV and other STIs.