Incidence and laboratory diagnosis of sexually-transmitted infections among university students in a high-prevalence community.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of four sexually-transmitted infection (STI) agents among university students.

Participants

A total of 1744 Milwaukee, Wisconsin metropolitan area student encounters at two university health clinics.

Methods

Following consent, participants completed an eight-item demographic and behavioral questionnaire and provided a specimen for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium RNA testing.

Results

C. trachomatis (7.2%) and M. genitalium (6.7%) detection rates were highest, with C. trachomatis more likely to result in symptomatic infection in males and females. Female M. genitalium detection rates did not differ as a function of symptomatic status. Students identifying as African American were more likely to test positive for M. genitalium than other races/ethnicities. M. genitalium detection in both genders was a function of reported condom usage.

Conclusions

Students would benefit from familiarity with emerging STI agents, as well as behaviors associated with increased risk of STI.