In order to define which dermovenereal diseases were present amongst the immigrant population in Sicily, with particular attention paid to the 'imported diseases' and those sexually transmitted, an epidemiologic study was carried out from 1980-1990, in 13 specialized centers located within the Region and predominatly in the large urban areas of Palermo and Catania which have large number of immigrants. The study involved 1758 subjects and showed on one hand very few imported diseases (chancroid, leprosy, AIDS, donovaniosis), while on the other many cutaneous diseases were present which are both infectious and widespread (57.4%); one third were sexually transmitted ones (above all, condylomata acuminata, nongonococcal urethritis). The results are discussed in view of organizing multidisciplinary interventions which are not limited to a specific medical field.

Skin diseases Immigration Sexually transmitted diseases Epidemiology

Short Survey Italy sexual transmission skin disease sexually transmitted disease human