Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by pathogens transmitted from person to person through sexual contact. STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. STIs have a devastating impact on adults and infants and affect millions of people in the United States annually. Infection with certain STIs can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer and can increase the likelihood of acquiring or transmitting HIV. In addition, STIs can cause long-term health complications, especially in the reproductive and central nervous systems. In rare cases, STIs can lead to serious illness or death. Research is urgently needed to help reduce the public health burden of STIs.

Highlights

Three microscopy images featuring various shapes, contained in teal boxes.
Electron micrograph imagery of bacteria that cause three sexually transmitted infections: chlamydia (left), gonorrhea (center), and syphilis (right). Bacteria are colorized orange/gold.
Credit
NIAID

Sexually Transmitted Infections—A Closer Look at NIAID Research

NIAID supports research to develop effective diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic approaches to STIs. NIAID shares a snapshot of new projects and recent scientific advances in STI research.

Closely clustered and cleaved (partially separated) spheres with irregular surfaces
Scanning electron micrograph of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, which causes gonorrhea. Captured by the Research Technologies Branch at the NIAID Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana.
Credit
NIAID
Research/Understanding
Emerging Infectious Diseases/Pathogens

NIH Statement on Preliminary Efficacy Results of First-in-Class Gonorrhea Antibiotic Developed Through Public-Private Partnership

A single dose of a novel oral antibiotic called zoliflodacin has been found to be as safe and effective as standard therapy for uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea.

black and white circular shapes
Negative-stained transmission electron microscopic (TEM) image of numerous herpes simplex virions.
Credit
CDC

NIH Herpes Simplex Strategic Plan

NIH has established a strategic plan for research that combines the efforts of the research community with those in public health and clinical medicine to develop interventions to reduce the health consequences of HSV.

Information for Researchers

Access opportunities to further your research, find available resources outside of specific funding opportunities, learn about active programs, and connect with other researchers.

See Information for STI Researchers

Editorial Note

The terms “venereal disease,” “sexually transmitted disease” and “STD” have previously been used interchangeably with, or in the place of, “sexually transmitted infection” and “STI” in scientific and other literature. NIAID favors the use of STI because the language is more precise—not all infections will have symptoms or result in disease—and the term is less stigmatizing to the large and diverse population affected by this variety of pathogens and syndromes.

Related Public Health and Government Information

To learn about risk factors for STDs and current prevention and treatment strategies visit the MedlinePlus sexually transmitted infections site.

Also read Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance, 2022 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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