engleski

Update on sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDIs) have for centuries been a big concern all around the world. The terms, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), have replaced the traditional venereal diseases (VD), which refers to those infections that are defined by law as sexually transmitted infection through sexual contact with an infected person. These include syphilis, gonorrhea, chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, and granuloma inguinale, among others. Infections can also be caused by pathogens without sexual contact, e.g. yeast, cytomegalovirus, or papilloma virus, where the term STIs is also used. Sexually transmitted and transmissible pathogens include many types of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and ectoparasites. Homosexual male-male activity is as old as mankind, and a part of life for many men throughout society. Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) form a relatively new epidemiological risk group for STI and healthcare workers should do all they can to alleviate the vehemence and take a stand against homophobic attitudes and practices in society with recommendations to reduce the STI burden in MSM The most important challenge today is the emergence of the multidrug resistant gonorrhoea which is currently the main reason of public concern. Clinicians can help prevent sequelae and spread of gonorrhoea by eliciting detailed sexual histories from their patients, screening sexually active risk group(s) for gonorrhoea at exposed anatomic sites, and treating appropriately. Preventive and curative medical measures must be combined with social and psychological assistance. The prevention and counseling methods together with effective public education are recommended to decrease the spread of STDIs.

sexually transmitted diseases and infections

S.I.: Update on Sexually Transmitted Infections ; Jasna Lipozenčić (ur.).