Update on bacterial sexually transmitted disease

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the most frequently reported bacterial infections. In 1990, slightly more than 700,000 cases of gonococcal disease were reported to the Centers for Disease Control, and the estimated incidence of chlamydial infections is 3 million to 4 million annually. Bacterial genital ulcer diseases such as syphilis and chancroid are increasing in epidemic proportions. The author reviews bacterial STDs in two categories: exudative mucosal infections and genital ulcer diseases.