[Sexually transmittable diseases and the public health service--recommendations for the reorganization of counseling centers for sexually transmittable diseases].

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD), including HIV infection, are a major and increasing health problem in Germany. Primary infection, complications and sequelae of STD are causative for an increasing economic burden. In addition a considerable part of the normal population suffer from persistent refractory virus infections and associated sequelae. The epidemic of both HIV and other STD and iv-drug abuse are closely related. The Public Health strategy in Germany is regulated by an outdated legislation to fight venereal diseases (Gesetz zur Bekämpfung der Geschlechtskrankheiten, July 1953) and traditionally consisted in screening tests for bacterial STD in female prostitutes and in case-finding produres. Results of recent epidemiological, social and behavioural research urgently suggest a new approach for STD programmes on the lines of recommendations by the World Health Organization.