Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Prevalence, Treatment, and Diagnostics

Abstract

Sexually transmitted diseases contribute substantially to issues in human health. Since sexually transmitted pathogens originate from viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotes, there are few commonalities regarding characteristics of disease. Some bacterial sexually transmitted pathogens, once considered curable, are beginning to develop antibacterial resistance, viral pathogens have been implicated in major congenital malformations, and even death, and eukaryotic infections are increasing in prevalence. In this Focus Series, the prevalence, transmission, treatment, diagnostics and emergence of sexually transmitted diseases are discussed. ABBREVIATIONS: STDs - Sexually Transmitted Diseases, STIs - Sexually Transmitted Infections, HPV - Human Papilloma virus, HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus