Pathogens relevant in sexually transmitted infections

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, particularly amongst those under 25 years of age. They are diverse in clinical presentation, many of which are asymptomatic, yet have the potential to cause signifi cant morbidity and mortality if they go unrecognized and untreated. In particular, STIs in the pregnant woman can result in adverse outcomes for the pregnancy, as well as produce congenital abnormalities or disease in the fetus or newborn. Pathogens include viruses as well as bacteria, protozoa, and parasites. Defi nitive diagnoses in some instances have been diffi cult because pathogens such as the human papillomavirus ( HPV) may not be propagated by conventional culture methods..