AIM To review the epidemiology of and data collection for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in South Africa. METHODS Literature published since 1980 on STDs in South Africa were complied and evaluated. Historical reports and salient unpublished literature were also used in the literature review. Studies were critically reviewed in the light of sample populations and study methods, and a ba...

Healthy vaginal microbiota is an important biological barrier to pathogenic microorganisms. When this predominantly Lactobacillus community is disrupted, decreased in abundance and replaced by different anaerobes, bacterial vaginosis (BV) may occur. BV is associated with prevalence and incidence of several sexually transmitted infections. This review provides background on BV, discusses the epi...

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) constitute an epidemic of tremendous magnitude, with an estimated 15 million persons acquiring a new STD each year [1]. Effective clinical management of STDs represents a strategic element in prevention of HIV infection and in efforts to improve reproductive and sexual health. Clinicians who evaluate persons with STDs or those at risk for STDs should be awar...