National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases



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Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are an important global health priority because of their devastating impact on women and infants and their inter-relationships with HIV/AIDS. STIs and HIV are linked by biological interactions and because both infections occur in the same populations. Infection with certain STIs can increase the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission as well as alter the course of disease progression. In addition, STIs can cause long term health problems, particularly in women and infants. Some of the health complications that arise from STIs include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, tubal or ectopic pregnancy, cervical cancer, and perinatal or congenital infections in infants born to infected mothers.

Quick Facts

Key points about STIs in the United States

Kinds of STIs

Human Papillomavirus and Genital Warts

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Syphilis

Trichomoniasis

Vaginitis

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NIAIDs Role in STI Research

NIAID supports research for more effective prevention and treatment approaches to control STIs, including the following:

Basic research on pathogenesis, immunity, and molecular and structural biology of sexually transmitted pathogens and the impact of STIs in various populations
Development of better and more rapid diagnostics
Research for safe and effective vaccines, topical microbicides, therapeutics, and strategies for preventing and treating STIs and their complications

In addition to its key research areas, NIAID addresses emerging issues related to STIs. For example, antimicrobial resistance has impeded the treatment of several STIs, most notably gonorrhea. NIAID supports research to better understand the mechanisms of resistance and discover alternate treatment options.

More on NIAID's Role in preventing and controlling STIs