Microbiology and Virology
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Microbiology and Virology
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Microbiology and Virology
Microbiology and Virology
Microbiology and Virology
Microbiology and Virology
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections transmitted through direct sexual contact. They are generally caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which spread from one person to another through mucosal contact with infected bodily fluids. They can affect not only the genital organs but also other organs and systems.
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) can be caused by:
STIs can go unnoticed for a long time. Depending on the type of infection, signs and symptoms may appear anywhere from a few days to several years after exposure. Some infections are mild and resolve within days or weeks (such as infections caused by Candida albicans) without causing any lasting effects.
In other cases — such as HIV or syphilis — the disease may progress and lead to serious, sometimes fatal complications. Some infections, on the other hand, can remain entirely asymptomatic for a long period, while still causing functional alterations of certain organs with a decline in their function. One example is the damage caused by Chlamydia trachomatis to the fallopian tubes, which may result in infertility.
The World Health Organization estimates that there are approximately 357 million new sexually transmitted infections globally each year. In Italy, the most affected age group is young adults aged 15 to 24, but anyone who has had or is having vaginal, oral, or anal sex — or engaging in erotic play — is, by definition, at risk of an STD. Fortunately, the risk of infection can be reduced by practising safe sex and/or being aware of both your own and your partner’s STD status.
Our molecular biology-based STI test detects the following pathogens: Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia trachomatis LGV, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Nesseiria gonorrhoeae (2 targets), Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, Trichomonas vaginalis.