Sexually Transmitted Diseases Problem Set

Problem 8: STDs Curable by Specific Antibiotics

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Which of the following STDs are curable by specific antibiotics?

Tutorial

Bacterial infections

Of the sexually transmitted diseases referred to in this problem set only chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are bacterial infections that can be treated with specific antibiotics. But, the bacteria may mutate and become resistant to available antibiotics.

Viral infections

Herpes, genital warts, and HIV are viral infections. Viral STDs may be "treatable" to some extent, but it is not possible to rid the body of the virus once a person becomes infected. Like the common cold, they do not respond to antibiotics. Unlike the common cold, the body has limited ability to fight these STDs. It may possibly suppress them, but cannot cure them.

The Biology Project
University of Arizona
Tuesday, December 2, 1997
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