Sexually transmitted infections

摘要

Rates of sexually transrmitted diseases are increasing, particularly in people aged between 15 and 25. How best to tackle this increase is unresolved, although several tests have recently been developed that are providing new opportunities for screening, early detection, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections and their complications, particularly for Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus, and human papilloma-virus. Already these tests are being used in research studies, but their introduction into clinical practice raises complex issues. This articles describes the tests that are now available for the major sexually transmitted infections and discusses the important issues they raise in the management of those diseases.