11 | Sexually Transmitted Infections |
Definition and Forms 
These infections include the four classic venereal diseases, which have been notifiable in the past, as well as the many other infections caused by pathogens transmitted through close mucosal contact during sexual activity.
The only data available on the frequency of these diseases are those for the four notifiable infections. These diseases had to be reported because they lead to serious sequelae, which can now be avoided by antibiotic treatment.
Venereal diseases are those leading to symptoms of the genitals, and they are acquired through sexual activity. Of course, they include many more diseases than the four classic ones. Because of the negative connotation, the term “venereal disease (VD)” is rarely used today and has been replaced by “sexually transmitted disease (STD).”
Here, we will discuss only those STDs in more detail that have not yet been described elsewhere in this book.
Table 11.1 provides an overview of various infections.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea (p. 138) is the most common of formerly notifiable sexually transmitted diseases in Europe. The incidence in gynecological patients lies between 0.05–0.5%, depending on the patient group and the clinic.
Syphilis (Lues)
Syphilis (p. 100) is certainly the most serious of sexually transmitted diseases. In Europe, the incidence is less than three reported cases per 100000 people. Only a third of these are women.
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
Pathogen. Chlamydia trachomatis, serotypes L1-L3.
Frequency. Lymphogranuloma venereum is very rare in temperate climates. The incidence is one reported case per one million people.
Table 11.1 Sexually and nonsexually transmitted infections and differential diagnosis of various dermatoses
1. Classic venereal diseases | — gonorrhea, syphilis, lymphogranuloma venereum, chancroid |
2. Other sexually transmitted diseases of the genitals | — trichomoniasis, chlamydial (serum group D-K infection), primary genitals herpes, acuminate condyloma (papillomaviruses), phthiriasis (pubic lice), granuloma inguinale |
3. Pathogens/infections that may be sexually tranmitted | — Candida albicans, bacterial vaginosis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus, Bacteroides species, group A streptococci, scabies (mites), molluscum contagiosum |
