Sexually Transmitted Infections

David Mabey: Affiliation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Martin W. Weber: Affiliation:
World Health Organization
Moffat Nyirenda: Affiliation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Dorothy Yeboah-Manu: Affiliation:
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana
Jackson Orem: Affiliation:
Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala
Laura Benjamin: Affiliation:
University College London
Michael Marks: Affiliation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Nicholas A. Feasey: Affiliation:
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

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Summary

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by over 30 pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi and ectoparasites (Table 25.1). The most common bacterial STI pathogens are Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Treponema pallidum (which causes syphilis), whilst Haemophilus ducreyi (which causes chancroid ulcers) has almost entirely been eliminated. The most common viral infections are HIV, herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV). The most common protozoal agent is Trichomonas vaginalis. Infestations with Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies) or Phthirus pubis (pubic lice) can also be acquired through sexual contact. The place of other pathogens such as Mycoplasma genitalium, or re-emerging viruses that can be also sexually transmitted (e.g. Ebola, Zika) is yet to be determined. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) for N. gonorrhoeae is a major global public health threat and should be monitored due to possible emergence of untreatable infections.

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Type: Chapter
Information: Principles of Medicine in Africa , pp. 329 - 358

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009052733.026 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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Chapter 25 - Sexually Transmitted Infections