Epidemiology of Treponema pallidum , Chlamydia trachomatis , Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis among forcibly displaced populations

A global systematic review and meta-analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID21879548
AuthorsGhina R Mumtaz (0000-0003-4332-4702, American University of Beirut), Iman Fakih (American University of Beirut), Eman Sharara (0009-0001-0357-4283, American University of Beirut), Rayane El-Khoury (0000-0002-8709-6222, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar), Cyrine Naja (0009-0000-9874-3790, American University of Beirut), Laith J Abu‐raddad (0000-0003-0790-0506, Cornell University), Sasha Fahme (0000-0003-0265-2582, Cornell University)
Year2026
Volume11
Issue7
Pagese020347
Publication date2026-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBMJ Global Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2059-7908 • E-ISSN: 2059-7908
PublisherBMJ (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1136/bmjgh-2025-020347
OpenAlexW7167686528
LanguageEN
References cited72

Background Curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Chlamydia trachomatis , Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis , remain a major global health concern; yet their epidemiology among forcibly displaced populations is poorly understood. Limited access to healthcare, high-risk exposures and structural vulnerabilities may contribute to a heightened burden of STIs in these populations. Methods A systematic review conducted up to 12 July 2024 assessed the prevalence of syphilis, C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis infections among refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced populations globally. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Pooled mean prevalence of current and/or lifetime infection for each STI was estimated through random-effects meta-analyses. Random-effects meta-regression analysis was feasible for syphilis and investigated sources of heterogeneity, associated factors and temporal trends in prevalence. Results The review identified 82 reports contributing 232 prevalence measures based on over 1.1 million test results, with syphilis being the most frequently studied STI. The estimated pooled mean prevalence of current infection was 0.94% (95% CI 0.53% to 1.45%) for syphilis, 0.87% (95% CI 0.33% to 1.61%) for C. trachomatis , 0.14% (95% CI 0.06% to 0.32%) for N. gonorrhoeae and 17.07% (95% CI 0.07% to 51.37%) for T. vaginalis . The prevalence of lifetime syphilis was 2.78% (95% CI 1.54% to 4.31%). Meta-regression analyses explained 64% of the variation in syphilis prevalence. Populations displaced from the African region had a 2.90-fold higher prevalence of syphilis compared with those from the Eastern Mediterranean region (95% CI 1.58 to 5.33), and those hosted in low-income countries had a 5.20-fold higher prevalence than those in high-income countries (95% CI 1.47 to 18.38). Syphilis prevalence declined over time at a relative annual rate of 6%. Conclusion This review highlights a substantial burden of syphilis among forcibly displaced populations, suggesting active transmission. Evidence for the other curable STIs is more limited, hindering a comprehensive understanding of their epidemiology in humanitarian settings. Systematic screening campaigns and effective STI surveillance are urgently needed, particularly in low-resource settings

Chlamydia · Chlamydia trachomatis · Gonorrhea · Neisseria gonorrhoeae · Public health · Syphilis · Trichomonas vaginalis · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Reproductive tract infections research · Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment · Epidemiology