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Review
. 2016 Jan 11;113(1-02):11-22.
doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2016.0011.

The Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Florian M E Wagenlehner  1 , Norbert H Brockmeyer, Thomas Discher, Klaus Friese, Thomas A Wichelhaus
Affiliations
Review

The Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Florian M E Wagenlehner et al. Dtsch Arztebl Int. .

Abstract

Background: The reported incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Germany is rising. For example, the number of new reported cases of syphilis rose from 3034 in 2010 to 4410 in 2012.

Methods: This review is based on pertinent articles retrieved by a selective search in MEDLINE, and on guidelines and systematic reviews from Germany and abroad.

Results: We discuss sexually transmitted infections presenting with genital, anal, perianal, or oral ulcers, urethritis, cervicitis, urethral or vaginal discharge, or genital warts. We also discuss sexually transmitted infection with HIV and the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Acquired sexually transmitted infections elevate the risk of transmission of other sexually transmitted infections; thus, patients presenting for the diagnosis or treatment of any kind of sexually transmitted infection should be evaluated for others as well. For most of these diseases, treatment of the patient's sexual partner(s) is indicated. Diagnostic nucleic acid amplification techniques are over 90% sensitive and specific and are generally the best way to detect the responsible pathogen. Factors impeding effective treatment include antibiotic resistance (an increasing problem) and the late diagnosis of HIV and HCV infections.

Conclusion: Sexually transmitted infections are common around the world, and any such infection increases the patient's risk of contracting other types of sexually transmitted infection. Molecular genetic diagnostic techniques should be made widely available.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Acute herpes simplex virus infection in the area of the mons pubis
Figure 2
Figure 2
Primary infection and secondary stage of syphilis: ulcus durum on the upper lip; maculopapular facial rash
Figure 3
Figure 3
Various appearances and localizations of condylomatous warts: a) condylomata acuminata, coronal sulcus of the penis; b) condylomata acuminata, perianal; c) condylomata lata, perianal
Figure 4
Figure 4
Purulent urethral discharge in gonorrheal urethritis
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Morphological Variants Forgotten.
    Abeck D. Abeck D. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016 Jul 1;113(26):460. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2016.0460a. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016. PMID: 27412991 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • Co-factor Ureaplasma urealyticum.
    Laszig R. Laszig R. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016 Jul 1;113(26):460. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2016.0460b. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2016. PMID: 27412992 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

References

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    1. Hokororo A, Kihunrwa A, Hoekstra P, et al. High prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in pregnant adolescent girls in Tanzania: a multi-community cross-sectional study. Sex Transm Infect. 2015;91:473–478. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Kissinger P. Trichomonas vaginalis: a review of epidemiologic, clinical and treatment issues. BMC Infect Dis. 2015;15 - PMC - PubMed
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MeSH terms