The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) funds basic and applied research to prevent, diagnose, and treat infectious and immune-mediated illnesses that affect the health of women and girls. NIAID involves women in many of its clinical studies on treatment and prevention of autoimmune diseases, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). NIAID also collaborates with other organizations on research initiatives aimed at improving women’s health.
A number of diseases affect women at a disproportionately high rate. Many of these are infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases that fall under the mandate of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). NIAID conducts and funds research as well as collaborates extensively with other NIH Institutes and Centers and private organizations.
Autoimmune diseases disproportionately afflict women and are among the leading causes of death for young and middle-aged women. They impose a heavy burden on patients’ families and on society.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Chlamydia is one of the most widespread bacterial STI in the United States and can cause serious problems in both men and women.
Genital Herpes
- Genital Herpes—In the United States, 1 out of 4 women has herpes.
- Herpevac Trial for Women—The Herpevac Trial for Women is investigating a promising vaccine to protect women against genital herpes.
The highest rates of gonorrhea were found in African Americans, 15 to 24 years of age, and women, respectively. Gonorrhea can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes, resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
HPV is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infection in the world. Some types of HPV have proven to cause cervical or other types of cancer, and genital warts may cause a number of problems during pregnancy.
PID can cause scarring in the reproductive organs that can lead to infertility, tubal (ectopic) pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, sores, and other serious problems.
Though syphilis cases have decreased in women recently, the disease is still of major importance. If untreated, ulcers can then lead to more serious symptoms of infection. In addition, syphilis increases the risk of transmitting as well as getting infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
Vaginitis, inflamation of the vagina, is due to bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or yeast, Other causes may include other sexually transmitted infections, allergic reactions, and irritations.
HIV and AIDS
The number of women with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) has increased steadily worldwide. Women are particularly vulnerable to heterosexual transmission of HIV. In addition, they suffer from gender-specific manifestations of HIV disease and exhibit different characteristics from men for many of the same complications of antiretroviral therapy.
Women are more susceptible than men to infection by HIV and other STI-causing microbes. Microbicides represent the best near-term hope for protecting not only women, but men and children as well, from sexually transmitted diseases.
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