Women and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa

Abstract

Despite efforts to control the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), these infections are still highly prevalent in the developing world, especially in Africa where the prevalence and incidence of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is also very high. Unfortunately, women bear the disproportionate burden of both STIs and HIV in this region. Early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of STIs is therefore crucial in this population given the strong evidence that some STIs have been shown to facilitate the transmission of HIV. This review summarizes the epidemiology, and management of the common STIs affecting African women, and the health complications associated with these infections in the era of emerging antimicrobial resistance.

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Ramjee, G. , Abbai, N. and Naidoo, S. (2015) Women and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5, 385-399. doi: 10.4236/ojog.2015.57056.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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