Changes in sexually transmitted disease.

Patterns of sexually transmitted diseases have changed, but the incidence has not decreased. The commonest STD (nonspecific urethritis) has only recently become reportable. The ratio of gonorrhea to NSU has reversed. Common childhood diseases have now become sexually transmitted diseases, for example, molluscum contagiosum and warts. Some venereal diseases have become less virulent, but acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is almost uniformly fatal. Most infectious enteric diseases have now become sexually transmitted diseases. The key to eradicating STD is intelligent and persistent public health personnel. Some STD are multisystem diseases; a broad range of interested consultants will be useful to the family physician.