Pictures of chlamydia and gonorrhea

Herpes, Genital Warts, Gonorrhea, STD Symptoms, & Testing

Medically Reviewed by Traci C. Johnson, MD on August 16, 2021

You don't have to have sex to get an STD. Skin-to-skin contact is enough to spread HPV, the virus family that causes genital warts. Some types cause warts and are usually harmless, but others may lead to cervical or anal cancer. Vaccines can protect against some of the most dangerous types.

Signs: Pink or flesh-colored warts that are raised, flat, or shaped like cauliflower. Often there are no symptoms.

"Crabs" is the common term for lice that set up shop in pubic hair. The term comes from the shape of the tiny parasites, which look very different from head or body lice. The creatures crawl from one person to another during close contact. Pubic lice can be killed with over-the-counter lotions.

Symptoms: Intense itching, tiny eggs attached to pubic hair, or crawling lice.

Scabies is an itchy infestation caused by a tiny mite that burrows into human skin to lay eggs. It is not always an STD, as it can spread through any skin-to-skin contact. But among young adults, the mites are often acquired during sex. Scabies is treated with prescription creams.

Symptoms: Intense itching especially at night and a pimple-like rash. It may take 2-6 weeks for symptoms to appear.

Gonorrhea spreads easily and can lead to infertility in both men and women, if untreated. Antibiotics stop the infection.

Symptoms: Common symptoms are burning during urination and discharge, but often there are no early symptoms. Later, the infection may cause skin rashes or spread to the joints and blood.

In Men: Discharge from the penis, swollen testicles.

In Women: Vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, spotting. Symptoms may be mild and are easily confused with a urinary tract or vaginal infection.

Most people don't notice the early symptoms of syphilis. Without treatment, it can lead to paralysis, blindness, and death. Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics.

Signs and Symptoms: The first sign is usually a firm, round, painless sore on the genitals or anus. The disease spreads through direct contact with this sore. Later there may be a rash on the soles, palms, or other parts of the body (seen here), as well as swollen glands, fever, hair loss, or fatigue. In the late stage, symptoms come from damage to organs such as the heart, brain, liver, nerves, and eyes.

Chlamydia is a common STD that can lead to infertility if left untreated. It clears up quickly with antibiotics. But it often goes unnoticed because symptoms are vague or absent. Chlamydia can also infect the rectum and throat.

Symptoms in Men: Burning and itching at the tip of the penis, discharge, painful urination.

Symptoms in Women: Vaginal itching, discharge that may have an odor, pain during sex, painful urination.

That painful cold sore you get on your lip every now and then? It's probably caused by a type of herpes virus called HSV-1. This virus is usually not an STD; it spreads easily among household members or through kissing. But it can be spread to the genitals through oral or genital contact with an infected person. Though there is no cure, drugs can shorten or prevent outbreaks.

Signs and Symptoms: Occasional cold sores or "fever blisters" on the lips. Small blister or sores on the genitals are also possible.

Most cases of genital herpes are caused by a virus called HSV-2. It's highly contagious and can spread through intercourse or direct contact with a herpes sore. As with HSV-1, there is no cure. But antiviral drugs can make outbreaks less frequent and help clear up symptoms more quickly.

Symptoms: Fluid-filled blisters that form painful, crusted sores on the genitals, anus, thighs, or buttocks. Can spread to the lips through oral contact.

Hepatitis B is a stealthy virus that can cause severe liver damage. It spreads through contact with blood and other body fluids. People can be infected through sex, needle sharing, and at birth, as well as by sharing razors and toothbrushes. There is no cure, but drugs can keep the virus in check. There's also an effective vaccine to prevent hepatitis B.

Symptoms: People may develop nausea, belly pain, dark urine, fatigue, and a yellowing of the skin or eyes with acute infection. Chronic infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Many people have no symptoms for years.

The HIV virus weakens the body's defense against infections. HIV spreads through unprotected sex, needle sharing, or being born to an infected mother. It may cause no symptoms for years, so a blood test is the best way to learn your status. Timely treatment is important to help prevent serious illnesses.

Early symptoms of HIV Infection: Many have no symptoms, but some people get temporary flu-like symptoms one to two months after infection: swollen glands (seen here), a fever, headaches, and fatigue. Canker sores in the mouth can occur, too.

Reliable HIV tests can be done in a clinic or at home with the FDA-approved Home Access brand test kit. Anonymous tests use only a number to identify you. One limitation is the "window period" of up to six months after exposure to HIV when these antibody tests sometimes do not find the virus. You can pass HIV to others during that time.

If You Suspect HIV/AIDS: If you've been exposed to HIV, starting medications immediately can help prevent infection. If you have the virus, treatments can help prevent HIV from turning into AIDS.

While there is no cure for HIV, there are medications that can suppress the amount of virus multiplying inside the body. People take a combination of antiviral drugs in hopes of preventing the infection from advancing to AIDS. Additional treatments can help prevent or fight off serious infections, if the immune system has weakened.

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite that spreads during sexual contact. It can be cured with prescription drugs.

Signs and Symptoms in Men: Most men have no obvious symptoms. Some develop a mild discharge or slight burning during urination.

Signs and Symptoms in Women: Women may develop a yellow-green discharge with a strong odor, vaginal itching, or pain during sex or urination. Symptoms usually begin five to 28 days after acquiring the parasite.

Chancroid is a bacterial STD that is common in Africa and Asia but rare in the U.S. It causes genital sores that can spread the bacteria from one person to another. Antibiotics can cure the infection.

Symptoms in Men: Painful bumps on the penis that may develop into pus-filled open sores, pain in the genitals and groin.
Symptoms in Women: Painful bumps in the genital area that can develop into open sores, swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

LGV is caused by a type of chlamydia that is usually rare in the U.S. But it's becoming more common in men who have sex with men. Like other forms of chlamydia, it can be cured with antibiotics.

Symptoms: Open sores on the genitals or anus, headache, fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph glands in the groin (seen here). If acquired through anal sex, LGV may cause rectal bleeding or discharge.

Not an STD itself, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious complication of untreated STDs, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea. It happens when bacteria spread to infect the uterus and other female reproductive organs. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent damage to a woman's fertility.

Signs and Symptoms: Lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual discharge, painful intercourse, painful urination, and spotting. However, there are often no warning signs.

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for an STD, regardless of gender, race, social class, or sexual orientation. That said, teenagers and young adults acquire STDs more easily than older people. By age 25, half of sexually active adults get an STD. Having multiple sex partners also raises the risk. The CDC has noted that some STDs are on the rise in men who have sex with men, including syphilis and LGV.

Yes, they can. Many STDs spread through any type of sexual activity, including skin-to-skin contact and oral sex. This is especially true of STDs that produce genital lesions or sores.

The best ways to avoid getting an STD are to abstain from any sexual contact and be in a monogamous, long-term relationship with an uninfected partner. To reduce the odds of getting STDs:

Ask your partner if they have an STD.
Ask partners to be tested before sexual activity.
Use condoms.
Avoid sexual activity if your partner has signs of an STD.
Be aware of symptoms and get regular checkups with your health care provider.

While condoms are effective in preventing the spread of some STDs, they are not perfect. Condoms are better at protecting against gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and trichomoniasis. But they offer less protection against herpes, syphilis, and genital warts. These infections can spread through contact with skin lesions that are not covered by a condom. Finally, condoms offer virtually no protection against crabs and scabies.

If you think you have an STD, tell your partner(s) as soon as possible. You may be able to spread the infection even if you have already begun treatment or are using condoms. With some STDs, doctors recommend treating both partners at the same time. This may be a difficult conversation. Some people find it helpful to write a script ahead of time. Be sure to let your partner ask questions and express their feelings.

It is important for pregnant women to be checked for STDs. They can cause women to go into labor too early and may complicate delivery. Many STDs can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or after the baby is born. STDs' effects on babies can include stillbirth, low birth weight, neurologic problems, blindness, liver disease, and serious infection. But there are treatments to minimize these risks. Treatment during pregnancy can cure some STDs and lower the risk of passing the infection to your baby.

Most STD treatments do not protect you from getting the same infection again. A course of drugs may cure gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia or trichomoniasis, but a new exposure can start a new infection. If your partner is not treated, you can continue to pass infections back and forth. And if you're not taking the right precautions to protect yourself, you can be re-infected quickly or even pick up a second STD.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1)    Science Source, Dr P. Marazzi, Dr. Harout Tanielian, Biophoto Associates / Photo Researchers Inc.
2)    London Scientific Films
3)    Dr. P. Marazzi / Photo Researchers, Inc.
4)    Juergen Berger / Photo Researchers, Interactive Medical Media LLC , Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology
5)    Science Source/Photo Researchers, Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology
6)    BSIP/Photo Researchers Inc
7)    Interactive Medical Media LLC
8)    Interactive Medical Media LLC, Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Dr. Harold Fisher/Visuals Unlimited
9)    Eye of Science/Photo Researchers Inc
10)    Dr. M.A. Ansary / Photo Researchers, Inc., Science Source, Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology
11)    Bildagentur RM/Tips Italia
12)    Bruce Forester/Photographer's Choice
13)    IMA / Photo Researchers Inc
14)    Dr. M.A. Ansary / Photo Researchers, Inc., David M. Phillips / Photo Researchers, Inc, Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatolog
15)    Dr. M.A. Ansary / Photo Researchers, Inc.
16)    Judith Glick / Phototake
17)    Clarissa Leahy/Photographer's Choice
18)    Christoph Martin/Lifesize
19)    George Diebold/Photographer's Choice
20)    Michael Winokur/Workbook Stock
21)    John Lamb/Stone
22)    UHB Trust/Stone
23)    Alan Powdrill/Stone

REFERENCES:

American Social Health Association.
American Social Health Association's National Herpes Resource Center.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site.
FDA web site.
Fleming, et al. The New England Journal of Medicine, Oct. 16, 1997.
March of Dimes web site.
Merck Manual, 17th edition.
National HIV Testing Resources.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
National Institutes of Health.
The Nemours Foundation's Kids Health web site.
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.

Pictures, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Medically Reviewed by Nivin Todd, MD on December 17, 2020

You may feel itchy or tingly around your genitals. This is usually followed by painful, small blisters that pop and leave sores that ooze or bleed. Most people notice symptoms within a few weeks after they catch the virus from someone else. The first time it happens, you may also have a fever, headache, or other flu-like feelings. Some people have few or no symptoms.

You get herpes by having any kind of sex -- vaginal, oral, or anal -- with someone who’s infected. It’s so common in the U.S. that 1 in every 5 adults has it. Herpes can be spread during oral sex if you or your partner has a cold sore. Because the virus can't live long outside your body, you can't catch it from something like a toilet seat or towel.

Sometimes people mistake a pimple or ingrown hair for herpes. Your doctor can take a small sample from sores by using a swab test. If you don’t have symptoms but think you might have herpes, your doctor can do a blood test. It may take a few days to get your results.

Genital herpes usually comes from the virus called herpes simplex-2 (HSV-2). Its cousin, HSV-1, is what gives you cold sores. You can get HSV-2 from someone whether they have symptoms or not.

Your doctor will prescribe an antiviral medicine. These pills can help you feel better and shorten an outbreak. In the meantime, don’t kiss or have any kind of sex with other people. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still spread the disease.

Some people only take their medications if they feel the itching and tingling that means an outbreak is coming on -- or when sores show up -- to stop it from getting worse. Your doctor may suggest you take an antiviral every day if you:

Have lots of outbreaks
Want to prevent more outbreaks
Want to lower the risk of spreading it to your partner

You can treat herpes, but once you get it, you’ll always have it. When symptoms show up, it’s called having an outbreak. The first is usually the worst. Most people have them on and off for several years, but they get milder and happen less often over time.

As long as you're sexually active, there's a chance you could get herpes. You'll make it a lot less likely if you use a latex or polyurethane condom or dental dam every time, for every activity. The dam or condom only protects the area it covers. If you don’t have herpes, you and your partner should get tested for STDs before sex. If you’re both disease-free and aren’t having sex with other people, you should be safe.

Wear loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwear.
Avoid sun or heat that could cause more blisters.
Take a warm, soothing bath.
Don't use perfumed soaps or douches near your blisters.

The herpes virus stays in your body forever, even if you have no symptoms. You may have an outbreak when you're sick, after you’ve been out in the sun, or when you’re stressed out or tired. If you’re a woman, you could get one when you start your period.

You still can have sex if you have genital herpes, but you must tell your partner you have the virus. They need to know so they can get tested. Wear a condom any time you have sex. Never have sex during an outbreak.

People often don’t have serious problems from herpes, but there's a chance of them. Wash your hands often, especially during an outbreak. If you touch a blister and rub your eyes, the infection can spread to your eyes. If your eyes are red, swollen, hurt, or are sensitive to light, see your doctor. Treating it can help prevent serious vision problems.

If you’re pregnant and have herpes, your doctor may suggest that you have your baby by C-section if you are experiencing an outbreak. Why? During vaginal birth, the herpes virus could spread to your baby, especially if your first outbreak happens around the delivery time. The virus could give your baby rashes, eye problems, or more serious issues. A C-section makes that less likely. Your doctor may also have you take anti-viral medicine starting at about 34 weeks to avoid an outbreak around your due date.

Getting ready to talk to your partner about herpes? These tips can help you prepare for the conversation. The American Sexual Health Association recommends you pick a time when you won't be interrupted, plan what you want to say ahead of time, and practice what you'll say so you feel confident.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

(1)    Interactive Medical Media LLC, Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Dr. Harold Fisher
(2)    Blend Images
(3)    iStock
(4)    The Image Bank
(5)    Moment Open
(6)    Stockbyte
(7)    iStock
(8)    Photo Alto
(9)    Digital Vision
(10)   Taxi
(11)   Iconica
(12)   Photo Researchers / Getty
(13)   Monkey Business
(14)   Photonica

SOURCES:

American Sexual Health Association

Brown University Health Education: "Genital Herpes. "

CDC: "Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet."

Kimberlin, D. Human Herpes Viruses, 2007.

TeensHealth: "Genital Herpes."

University of Rochester Medical Center: "What You Need to Know About STDs."

UpToDate.com: "Patient information: Genital herpes (Beyond the Basics)."

WomensHealth.gov: "Genital herpes fact sheet."

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Four curable sexually transmitted infections: everything you need to know

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Four curable sexually transmitted infections: everything you need to know

Everyone is afraid of such negative consequences of sexual relations as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis or syphilis. Yet more than one million people are infected with these infections every day, according to new estimates.

Unfortunately, while we know more than ever about how to prevent these diseases, infection rates remain extremely high worldwide.

Fortunately, all four of these infections are treatable.

species of bacteria, viruses and parasites are transmitted through sexual contact.

of which cause the most common sexually transmitted infections.

of these 8 infections - syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis - are now treatable.

hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are viral and incurable.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs, also called sexually transmitted diseases or STDs) are often asymptomatic. However, if left untreated, they can cause serious consequences, including blindness and other neurological problems. disorders, infertility, mother-to-child transmission, or birth defects.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus can cause cancer, but these viral infections can be avoided by vaccination.

An additional traumatic factor can be the stigmatization of a person infected with a sexually transmitted infection.

STIs are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. In addition, some STIs are transmitted non-sexually, such as through blood or blood products. Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, primary infection, caused by the hepatitis B virus, HIV and syphilis can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy and childbirth.

They are not transmitted through everyday contact such as sharing food and drinks, hugging or sneezing.

The latest WHO estimates are for only four curable STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis).

Symptoms of these four curable infections may include vaginal discharge, male urethral discharge, genital ulcers, painful urination, and abdominal pain.

Testing is the only way to definitively diagnose an STI. Unfortunately, a large part of the world's population is denied access to reliable methods of diagnostic testing for STIs due to their high cost and lack of test kits. for laboratories or express diagnostics. Limited access to services for STIs, along with the asymptomatic course of these infections, leads to their further spread among various populations and communities, as well as globally. .

^{UNFPA ROVECA, Moldova [UNFPA ROVECA trainer and other activists help promote sexual health education with vulnerable youth, Moldova]}

Information on four curable diseases

Chlamydia is one

In 2016, there were 127 million cases of chlamydia among men and women aged 15 to 49.

Painful urination is a symptom of chlamydia, but more often the disease occurs without symptoms.

It can affect the genital and urinary tract, as well as the eyes. Left untreated, blindness, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ectopic pregnancy can develop. In addition, chlamydial infection can pose a serious risk for the health of children born to infected mothers.

Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotic therapy, but we must not forget that cases of re-infection are not uncommon.

^{Jonathan Torgovnik [Mississippi Youth Council representatives gather outside the State Capitol to support sex education in their schools, USA]}

How to protect yourself from trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is the most common curable PI infection. Its causative agent is the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which colonizes the lower genital tract and is transmitted, as a rule, through sexual contact. The characteristic of this parasite is that it is able to affect areas not protected by a condom - that is, condoms cannot fully protect against trichomoniasis.

Trichomoniasis affects both men and women. The symptoms of the disease vary, but many people with the infection are unaware of it and may infect others.

To diagnose trichomoniasis, a medical professional must perform a laboratory test.

Increased vigilance for this infection is entirely warranted as trichomoniasis can increase the risk of acquiring or spreading other STIs such as HIV, and pregnant women with the disease are more likely to have preterm births and low birth weight babies are born.

In 2016, there were 156 million new cases of trichomoniasis among men and women aged 15 to 49.

^{UNICEF - Mawa [Targeted population of young men who have sex with men in a public place, Bangladesh]}

Syphilis is an insidious disease

Syphilis is transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral sex causes ulcerative lesions (so-called chancres) of the genitals. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious and permanent disorders such as brain damage, blindness and paralysis. Many people with syphilis are asymptomatic and are unaware of their illness.

Syphilis occurs in three stages: ulcers form in the first stage, a rash and inflammation of the lymph nodes appear in the second, and the brain, heart and other organs can be affected in the third.

An estimated 6.3 million people contracted syphilis in 2016.

The disease is transmitted by contact with an ulcer, mainly through vaginal, oral or anal intercourse.

Syphilis can be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. In 2016 among 9Of the 88,000 pregnant women infected with syphilis, there were an estimated 200,000 stillbirths. Syphilis is the second most important cause stillbirth worldwide and can also lead to other adverse birth outcomes such as neonatal death, congenital anomalies, prematurity and low birth weight.

The risk of syphilis should not be neglected; if you are at risk or notice symptoms of the disease, you must undergo timely examination and treatment. Syphilis can be cured with a simple penicillin regimen.

Gonorrhea: a supermicrobe among STIs

Gonorrhea may soon become an incurable disease. This is a bacterial infection for which two drugs are available, but resistance is already developing to one of them. It is likely that we will soon run out of treatment options for gonorrhea, caused by multidrug-resistant strains.

People diagnosed with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications, and if left untreated, the disease can cause inflammation in the uterus and lead to infertility. The infection can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to kid.

In pregnant women, the infection may cause preterm labor or permanent blindness in the newborn.

In 2016, 87 million people were infected with gonorrhea among men and women aged 15 to 49.

WHO/Yoshi Shimizu [STI testing in Mongolia.]

How to keep yourself safe

STIs are usually transmitted through sexual contact, through finger, vaginal, oral or anal contact. Some infections can be transmitted through blood or blood products, and some (including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, HPV infection and hepatitis B virus infection) can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

How to protect yourself from these infections?

practice safe sex;
use condoms and do it correctly;
use reliable sources of information about sexual health;
if at risk, seek testing and treatment promptly; Don't forget that most STIs don't cause symptoms. Limit casual sex and use a condom with a new partner;
get tested for STIs when changing sexual partners and after unprotected intercourse, and if there are concerns about possible infection/reinfection;
discuss the potential risk of contracting an STI with a sexual partner;
make an informed decision about the acceptable degree of risk in sexual relations;
if pregnant at risk of STIs, it is important to be examined and treated before the baby is born;
Re-infection is possible even after successful treatment. To prevent re-infection, you should make sure that sexual partners have been treated.

Condoms, when used properly, are one of the most effective ways to protect against STIs, including HIV infection. Female condoms are also effective and safe.

A partner may often not be known to have an STI.

Anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI, but those who frequently change sexual partners are at increased risk. Previous treatment for STIs does not protect against re-infection.

^{Juan Daniel Torres, courtesy of Photoshare [Community Outreach Specialist from Social Services Development Alliance discusses health issues with youth, Cambodia]}

Knowledge is power

No one is safe from STIs. Everyone should be aware of them, know the preventive measures, as well as the procedure for infection.

Comprehensive education of adolescents on sexual health issues plays a decisive role. In the course of such comprehensive education, they should receive scientifically sound information about human development, its anatomy and reproductive health, and information about contraception, childbearing, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

It is important that relevant information be communicated to children at a young age (before sexual activity).

In addition, access to STI and HIV counseling services is essential. Countries are increasingly implementing STI control activities targeting sex workers, men who have sex with men and injecting drug users. drugs, but access to high-quality diagnostic tests remains limited in many low- and middle-income countries around the world.

Four new dangerous sexually transmitted infections

Brun Nelson
Mosaic*

February 10, 2019

Image copyright, iStock

Scientists are concerned about the emergence of dangerous new sexually transmitted diseases

New diseases appear all the time, and sexually transmitted diseases are no exception.

We will tell you about the four types of bacteria that cause dangerous new STDs and pose a serious threat to human health.

1. M eeningococcus

Neisseria meningitidis bacteria cause meningococcal infection, which can lead to deadly damage to the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, as well as the membranes of the brain and spinal cord.

Previously, meningococcal infection was mainly associated with meningitis - inflammation of the lining of the brain, often with a fatal outcome.

However, now it is increasingly referred to as a urogenital type of infection.

In one of the studies of the 1970s. describes a case of autofellatio in a chimpanzee - the transfer of meningococcal bacteria from the oral cavity to the penis area.

Superbugs are not afraid of antibiotics. How to avert the threat to humanity?
Survey: half of young Britons do not use condoms

5-10% of adults are carriers of the infection. As a rule, Neisseria meningitidis bacteria live in the human nasopharynx. Bacteria, according to doctors, are transmitted during oral sex.

Outbreaks of this disease are registered in Europe, Canada and the USA. As a rule, carriers of infection are gays and bisexuals.

A close relative of Neisseria meningitidis is the causative agent of gonorrhea, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In 2015, a strain of Neisseria was isolated in the United States, which is the result of a genetic recombination of DNA from both bacteria. This type of infection caused outbreaks in several US cities in 2015.

One of the studies is devoted to the study of cases of inflammation of the urethra caused by meningococcal bacteria. It was about a specific group of men. According to scientists, the infection was transmitted during oral sex.

British doctors: don't ask for antibiotics if it goes away on its own

Scientists have determined that the DNA of the strain that caused the outbreak in several US cities in 2015 was formed by genetic recombination with a similar infection - gonococci, which causes gonorrhea.

This strain is highly contagious, meaning it spreads faster than others among humans.

Five types of Neisseria meningitidis cause the majority of cases worldwide. Fortunately, there are two vaccines against them that are effective against all five types of bacteria.

2. M Icoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium is one of the smallest bacteria, but the disease it causes is one of the most dangerous sexually transmitted infections.

This bacterium became known in the 1980s. At the moment, its carriers are 1-2% of the world's inhabitants - mostly teenagers and young people.

Image copyright iStock

Mycoplasma genitalium infection can resemble chlamydia. This infection is especially dangerous for women's health

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Infection is often asymptomatic, or there may be symptoms characteristic of gonorrhea or chlamydia - inflammation of the cervix or urethra.

Since this infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women, the consequences of infection can be quite serious - including infertility, miscarriage, premature birth and miscarriage.

Although condoms protect against this infection, doctors are concerned that mycoplasma genitalium bacteria are actively developing resistance to antibiotics such as azithromycin and doxycycline.

"My concern is that this organism is developing more and more resistance [against antibiotics] and the infection is becoming more common," says Matthew Golden, director of the HIV and STD program in Seattle and King County.

Timely diagnosis and early treatment, scientists hope, will help prevent Mycoplasma genitalium from becoming a superbug.

3. Ш Flexner's needle

Shigellosis is a group of diseases caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella, with a fecal-oral transmission mechanism.

Infection with Shigella flexneri results in dysentery, which causes severe stomach cramps and bouts of diarrhea mixed with blood and mucus.

Image copyright, iStock

Shigella flexneri infection results in dysentery, which causes severe stomach cramps and diarrhea

It used to be thought that children and travelers to poor countries were more susceptible to the disease.

However, since the 1970s. cases of shigellosis have become increasingly recorded among gays and bisexuals.

According to scientists, in these cases the bacterium is transmitted during anal and oral sex. With the advent of a new route of infection, outbreaks of the disease were noted around the world.

Demeter Daskalakis, spokesman for the New York City Department of Health, says the sexually transmitted disease is also becoming resistant to antibiotics, including azithromycin, which is also used to treat gonorrhea.

Experts are concerned that the use of this antibiotic to treat various types of shigellosis could potentially lead to the emergence of a superbug that causes gonorrhea. Doctors have developed more sophisticated treatments for this STD without the use of antibiotics.

4. B generic lymphogranuloma (LH)

This disease is caused by a rare strain of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, says Christopher Schiessl, a physician at One Medical Clinic in San Francisco.

Image copyright, Science Photo Library

The danger is that pathogens of new diseases are rapidly developing resistance to existing antibiotics

When infected, boils and sores first appear in the genital area, then the infection enters the human lymphatic system.

The disease can resemble inflammatory bowel disease and lead to chronic and severe bowel problems such as fistula or narrowing of the bowel.