Is the concept, "Agents of sexually transmitted disease" still valid?

Article Abstract:

Science is a field in which terms and concepts are continually introduced, redefined and discarded as knowledge is gained. The concept 'agents of sexually transmitted disease' has been in existence in medical science for a long time. It refers to an organism that causes disease (pathogen) and is transmitted by sexual intercourse. Recent research has shown that many diseases, particularly those of the respiratory tract, which are not considered sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), can be transmitted by sexual intercourse and can infect the sex organs. Conversely, it has also been found that some agents of STDs can be transmitted by nonsexual routes and can infect other parts of the body. These findings should not be surprising. Parts of the respiratory tract and parts of the genital tract have similar characteristics. In addition, some of the pathogens affecting either or both systems have many similarities, such as their evolutionary development and responses to comparable environmental pressures. Limiting certain disease causing (pathogenic) organisms to a category known as agents of STDs and separating them from other pathogens that are very similar in nature may inhibit prevention and treatment of these diseases. Categorizing pathogenic organisms by similar molecular mechanisms makes more sense. The term agents of sexually transmitted disease is firmly ingrained in scientific nomenclature, but now is the time to make the effort to have it removed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Disease transmission, Science, editorial

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Profile of callers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Sexually Transmitted Diseases Hotline

Article Abstract:

A government-sponsored telephone hotline may provide callers with information on sexually transmitted diseases. Researchers surveyed 1100 anonymous callers of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's national hotline on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Calls came from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Pacific Islands. Callers' backgrounds reflected those of the general public, although callers tended to be female, black, and to make less money. Most callers asked questions about 10 STDs, including gonorrhea and syphilis. Callers used the hotline to obtain referrals to STD clinics. The hotline may direct people who believe they are infected with an STD to treatment and may inform them about STD prevention.

Usage, Services, Information services, Hotlines (Counseling), United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Predictors of human immunodeficiency virus counseling and testing among sexually transmitted disease clinic patients

Article Abstract:

It appears that most patients attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics have been tested for HIV. Researchers conducted interviews with 1,090 patients at two STD clinics regarding whether and why they had been tested for HIV. Nearly 90% of the participants had been tested for HIV. Most participants had been tested either for their own or their partner's benefit. A significant percentage of the African-American clients had not been tested. Half of the participants had been tested more than once, frequently because of persistent high-risk behavior. Most who had not been tested believed they were not infected.

Testing, Surveys, Patients, HIV testing, HIV tests

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