Study finds high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among symptom-free Panamanians

A study titled “The Hidden Burden of STIs in Panama” found a combined HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevalence of 32.5% among the cohort examined. The research also found that 21.4% of participants had at least one clinically interpretable pathogen when tested with molecular panels.

AHF Panama conducted the study with the Department of Human Microbiology at the University of Panama’s Faculty of Medicine. Researchers assessed 308 people recruited through community screening services, combining serological tests with molecular diagnostics for HIV, active syphilis and several other sexually transmitted infection agents.

The report highlighted the high prevalence of infections among people without evident clinical symptoms. Because these conditions can remain silent, relying only on visible symptoms creates a critical obstacle for traditional detection models, the study said. It called for updated screening and timely diagnosis protocols in Panama.

The findings were presented at a technical meeting held as part of World Sexual Health Day. Specialists from the University of Panama, AHF Panama, the Ministry of Health’s Directorate-General of Public Health and its STI/HIV/AIDS section discussed shifting public policy toward combined prevention.

The measures raised during the discussion included pre-exposure prophylaxis, vaccination, condom use and wider access to molecular diagnostic technologies. Specialists also said health services should move beyond measuring the number of tests performed and ensure comprehensive patient follow-up within the healthcare system.