STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): a global public health challenge
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), include infections caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. They are transmitted mainly through vaginal, anal and oral sexual intercourse; some can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, or through contact with infected blood.
Explore solutions for STD diagnostics
Browse the products available for the detection of the pathogens responsible for sexually transmitted infections and find the tests best suited to your laboratory’s needs.
The importance of early diagnosis
Many sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic or cause nonspecific symptoms. This can delay diagnosis and promote transmission of the infection. Without appropriate identification and management, some STIs can contribute to complications such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and problems during pregnancy; some viral infections are also associated with cancers.
According to the WHO, more than one million curable STIs are acquired every day worldwide among people aged 15–49. The same organization estimated 374 million new infections in 2020 due to chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis.
Molecular diagnostics of STDs makes it possible to directly detect the nucleic acids of pathogens. Depending on the test used and the clinical context, it can help to:
- identify the agent responsible for the infection;
- support diagnosis even when symptoms are absent or nonspecific;
- search for multiple pathogens in the same analysis with multiplex tests;
- identify possible co-infections;
- provide useful information for the clinical management of the patient.
The choice of test and the interpretation of the result depend on the pathogen investigated, the type of sample and the diagnostic question.
Molecular tests for sexually transmitted infections
Nuclear Laser Medicine offers solutions dedicated to the detection of pathogens responsible for STIs, including targeted tests and multiplex tests. The ability to analyze multiple infectious agents helps the laboratory provide useful information for the diagnostic assessment and the evaluation of any co-infections.
Solutions for STD diagnostics
Explore the Nuclear Laser Medicine products dedicated to sexually transmitted infections. For information on the pathogens analyzed by the individual tests and on the solutions best suited to your laboratory, contact us.