Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) represent a worldwide public health problem. The spread of most sexually transmitted diseases is currently out of control. The World Health Organization estimates that 300 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases occur annually, with the predominant number of infections in 15 to 30-year old individuals, In the United States, sexually transmitted diseases remain a major public health challenge. The 2004 STD Surveillance Report published by the CDC indicated that while substantial progress has been made in preventing, diagnosing, and treating certain STDs, 19 million new infections occur each year, nearly half of them among people aged 15 to 24. Sexually transmitted diseases also exact a tremendous economic toll with direct medical costs estimated at $13 billion annually in the United States alone. Many cases of STDs go undiagnosed; others, like human papillomavirus and genital herpes, are not reported at all. Some STDs can also lead to infertility or cancer. Prescott,Harley, and Klein’s Microbiology Naming: STDs were formerly called venereal diseases (from Venus, the Roman goddess of love), and may sometimes be referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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