02/06/2002 "STD rate increasing: experts"

STD rate increasing: experts
- From AAP

SEXUALLY transmitted diseases are on the increase in Australia despite the availability of condoms and greater AIDS-awareness, health authorities have said.

Viral infections such as genital warts and herpes were becoming more prevalent, researchers at the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Research Centre at Sydney's Westmead Hospital have found.

Adrian Mindel, director of the new centre, said health clinics had recorded a marked increase in STI cases.

The centre, which is part of the Sydney University campus, was officially opened by federal Education Minister Brendan Nelson.

"Most adults have sex, it's an enjoyable part of life ... but many people aren't aware of what consequences there are," Professor Mindel said.

"Most people are knowledgable about the threat of HIV, but not so much about what STIs there are because they're seen as of less importance."

Prof Mindel said the research centre would aim to increase awareness about the risks of STIs.

"We'll be looking to understand why people contract infections and how to better treat them when they do."

He said the most effective way of controlling the infections was to provide services and thorough research and training.

In 2000, there were more than 16,000 notified cases of chlamydia, almost 6,000 cases of gonorrhoea and almost 2,000 cases of syphilis.

"However, these figures are likely to be an underestimate, as a considerable proportion of individuals infected with these bacteria will remain asymptomatic," he said.