Sexually Transmitted Infections in Italian Young and Adult People: A Worrying Positive Trend Hidden by COVID-19 Epidemic.

Recent European data show an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly , among young heterosexuals, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. Italy's varied local health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic likely affected STI management and reporting. To evaluate COVID-19's impact on STI spread in Italy, we analyzed microbiological data from before and during the pandemic in an area with minimal restrictions on clinical services.