[Sexually transmitted infections: update 2013]

Although there have been significant advances in diagnosis, treatment, and education, the occurence of STI continues to increase worldwide as well as in Switzerland. The most common STI include human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, herpes, simplex virus types 1 and 2, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and trichomoniasis. Diagnosis and treatment continue to be major public health challenges because of the asymptomatic nature of many of these infections. Recent studies showed favorable epidemiologic trends for HPV infection in vaccinated females as well as in some males. On the other hand we are confronted with rising incidences e.g. in urethritis with various causative agents and in syphilis cases. Alarmingly during the last 3 years gonococci have become less susceptible to our remaining antibiotics, necessitating strict adherence to updated treatment guidelines. Other trends in STIs and their consequences are discussed.