The ABCs of STIs: An Update on Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstract

BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread primarily through sexual contact and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Once identified, some STIs can be cured following appropriate therapy; for others, suppressive regimens and approaches to prevent ongoing transmission are important. The incidence of many common STIs is increasing in the US as well as worldwide, and hundreds of millions of people are currently infected. Laboratory testing plays a major role in the diagnosis and treatment of STIs, and clinical laboratorians should be familiar with the current guidelines and methods for testing. CONTENT Accurate and sensitive methods to diagnose STIs are essential to direct appropriate antimicrobial therapy and interrupt the cycle of disease transmission. This review summarizes laboratory testing for common bacterial, viral, and parasitic causes of STIs. Disease manifestations reviewed include cervicitis and urethritis, genital ulcerative disease, human immunodeficiency virus, viral hepatitis, human papilloma virus, and vaginitis. Recent advancements in the recognition and management of STIs, including updates to diagnostic algorithms, advances in testing methods, and emerging challenges with antimicrobial resistance, are summarized. SUMMARY Diagnostic methods and therapeutic guidelines for STIs are rapidly evolving. In combination with changing epidemiology, the development of novel therapeutics, and advancements in diagnostic methods, this has resulted in changing practices in laboratory testing and, subsequently, management of disease. Molecular methods have facilitated personalized therapy and follow-up regimens targeted for individual types or strains of some STIs.

Proximity to Screening Site, Rurality, and Neighborhood Disadvantage: Treatment Status among Individuals with Sexually Transmitted Infections in Yakima County, Washington

“…The asymptomatic nature of STIs makes these infections a prevalent but hard to manage public health issue [3,4]. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, every new 20 million STIs impose approximately $16 billion in direct medical costs on the American healthcare system [5].…”

“…According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, every new 20 million STIs impose approximately $16 billion in direct medical costs on the American healthcare system [5]. If left untreated, severe health consequences of STIs may include cancer, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility in women [4]. Men can suffer from urethritis, discharge from the urethra, and pain in the testicles [6].…”

Prevalence ofMycoplasma genitaliumand macrolide resistance among asymptomatic people visiting a point of care service for rapid STI screening: a cross-sectional study

“…In fact, the WHO incorporated this issue in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals where, for example, an ambitious 90% reduction in the incidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) globally was proposed as a key target 1. Despite the efforts executed by the medical community, the number of reported infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and NG continues to rise annually; particularly among high-risk subpopulations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) 2…”

Perception Difference on Sexually Transmitted Infections Between Domestic and Foreign Ship Crews (A Study at Merak Port of Banten)

“…These results show that the domestic and foreign ship crews have the same perception erroneously; whereas sex couples who contract STIs will definitely transmit the disease to their partner. According to Puspitas, STIs are transmitted due to invasion of viral, bacterial, parasitic and genital organisms that are mostly transmitted through sexual contact [11]. Thus, if a person is infected, it is easy to transmit the illness to their sex partner [12].…”