Abstract

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are one type of important infectious diseases in patients who suffer from the genitourinary tract infections. Screening and detecting STDs is a form of secondary prevention, which interrupts further transmission as well as progression of the infection and its sequelaes. In an effort to better diagnose, treat, and control STDs, a number of new diagnostic assays using molecular techniques have been developed. Improved diagnostic testing by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is now commercially available and may increase diagnostic capability. PCR has resulted in revisions of the proportion of STDs that are asymptomatic, and has increased measured prevalence of some STDs, notably. As a consequence of these molecular tools, the diagnostic repertoire of the clinical laboratory for the diagnosis of STDs will expand significantly, allowing investigators to better diagnose and more effectively control the spread of STDs. However, with such new technology, new problems and challenges have arisen, such as the risk of sample contamination resulting in false-positive results, and the presence of inhibitors resulting in false-negative results.

• Keywords: Sexually transmitted disease, Polymerase chain reaction