Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) is an infection of the genitourinary system passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The burden of STIs is very high in the US with the CDC estimates of 1 in 5 people (about 20 percent of the U.S. population). If not diagnosed and treated promptly, STIs can lead to bladder problems, damage to organs, reduced life expectancy, infertility in women, and other complications.
Unfortunately, on top of several inherent issues associated with STIs, the COVID-19 pandemic added another complexity leading to low coverage for preventative, diagnostic, and treatment services consequently promoting the resurgence of STIs and the emergence of non-classical STIs globally. Even in developed countries like the US and Canada, where STI surveillance data is available, there is an increase in at least 3 STIs: Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. The global picture seems grim with reports of a rise in outbreaks of non-classical STIs spread by sexual contacts such as Shigella sonnei, Hepatitis A, Neisseria meningitidis, Zika, and Ebola; and the re-emergence of neglected STIs such as Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV). It is more important than ever to use cutting-edge diagnostic tests like Acutis Reveal™ STI to promptly identify the pathogen and treat it appropriately.
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