Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections remain significant public health concerns, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. A study assessing the prevalence of these infections among participants in an HIV preexposure prophylaxis program in Hanoi, Vietnam, found a combined prevalence of 28.9% for CT or NG among 529 individuals, with asymptomatic cases showing low prevalence rates of urethral CT (3.1%) and NG (0.9%) (ref: Adamson doi.org/10.1097/QAD.0000000000004203/). Another study highlighted that single infections were more common in both genders, while mixed infections were more prevalent in females, indicating a potential for increased inflammatory responses (ref: Li doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1566163/). Additionally, research on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) revealed that 11.1% of participants with STIs had HIV loads exceeding 200 copies/ml, raising concerns about the transmission risk associated with drug-resistant strains (ref: Clemente doi.org/10.1097/QAD.0000000000004225/). Furthermore, the role of CT in inducing ferroptosis and enhancing its replication was explored, suggesting a complex interplay between the pathogen and host immune responses (ref: Wei doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107656/). The acceptability of online postal self-sampling for HIV and STIs was also assessed, indicating a promising avenue for improving testing access (ref: De Baetselier doi.org/10.1177/09564624251342616/).

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with a study in Ontario, Canada, demonstrating that public health funding played a crucial role in mitigating decreases in STI detection services during this period (ref: Schwartz doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/). In a separate investigation, doxycycline pre-exposure prophylaxis was found to effectively prevent bacterial STIs among female sex workers without adversely affecting vaginal flora, highlighting its potential as a targeted prevention strategy (ref: Abe doi.org/10.1093/jacamr/). A study conducted in a large urban jail revealed high rates of new syphilis infections, underscoring the need for enhanced screening and treatment strategies in high-risk populations (ref: Sola-Odeseye doi.org/10.1097/OLQ.0000000000002178/). Additionally, a sex-stratified analysis indicated a significant association between CT infection and increased odds of depression in females, suggesting a need for integrated mental health support in STI care (ref: Steffens doi.org/10.1097/OLQ.0000000000002185/). The New Zealand Sexual Health Society's position statement on doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis emphasized its role in preventing STIs among at-risk populations, advocating for proactive implementation (ref: Scott doi.org/10.1071/SH25017/).

Machine learning (ML) has emerged as a promising tool for predicting the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated the effectiveness of ML models in assessing risks for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, although the evidence remains fragmented (ref: Latt doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107922/). In a study focusing on Chinese MSM, clustering analysis identified distinct sexual behavioral patterns associated with varying risks for STIs, providing insights into high-risk subgroups (ref: She doi.org/10.1016/j.jiph.2025.102786/). Furthermore, advancements in vaginal microbiome profiling using nanopore sequencing and bioinformatics are being explored to enhance the understanding of microbial populations and their implications for reproductive health (ref: Davidson doi.org/10.1007/s10815-025-03509-2/). These studies collectively highlight the potential of integrating ML and microbiome analysis into public health strategies for STIs.

Research on maternal-fetal transfer of antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium revealed that seroconversion occurs in early childhood, with implications for understanding the long-term effects of maternal infections on child health (ref: Koskela doi.org/10.1111/aogs.15105/). A population-based cohort study examined the impact of STIs and bacterial vaginosis on preterm birth among pregnant individuals living with HIV, finding that 19.2% of pregnancies resulted in preterm births, emphasizing the need for comprehensive antenatal care (ref: Wong doi.org/10.1177/09564624251347458/). Additionally, the recruitment of the cellular lipid transport protein CERT to Chlamydia psittaci inclusions was shown to regulate bacterial egress, providing insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of chlamydial infections (ref: Scholz doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02077-w/). These findings underscore the importance of addressing STIs in maternal and child health frameworks.

Innovative diagnostic approaches are being developed to enhance the detection of pathogens in various infections. A study optimizing a metagenomic third-generation sequencing (mTGS) workflow for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid demonstrated a tenfold increase in sensitivity for detecting pathogens compared to pre-optimized methods, indicating its potential for clinical applications (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105752/). Another investigation into the clinical utility of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for lower respiratory tract infections highlighted its effectiveness in identifying pathogens, suggesting a shift towards more comprehensive diagnostic tools in clinical settings (ref: Lai doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03564-w/). Additionally, the study on vaginal microbiome profiling emphasizes the need for standardized methodologies to accurately assess microbial populations, which could have significant implications for reproductive health (ref: Davidson doi.org/10.1007/s10815-025-03509-2/). Together, these studies reflect a growing trend towards integrating advanced diagnostic technologies in infectious disease management.

Understanding the behavioral and social aspects of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies. A study in South Africa reported a prevalence of 14.7% for Chlamydia trachomatis in women and 6.6% in men, with Neisseria gonorrhoeae rates at 6.0% and 3.4%, respectively (ref: de Vos doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0323414/). This research aimed to enhance partner notification strategies by identifying the types of sexual partners reported by adults seeking STI care. Additionally, the role of CT in inducing ferroptosis and enhancing its replication was explored, suggesting a complex interaction between the pathogen and host immune responses (ref: Wei doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107656/). Furthermore, a study on hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection during pregnancy highlighted its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in this population (ref: Gulersen doi.org/10.1515/jpm-2025-0146/). These findings underscore the importance of addressing social determinants and behavioral factors in STI prevention efforts.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses significant challenges in the management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A proof-of-concept study investigated the use of doxycycline-infused in situ sol-gel for localized gonorrhea management, demonstrating substantial tissue deposition in ex vivo vaginal mucosal tissue (ref: Thapa doi.org/10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103833/). This innovative approach aims to address the rising AMR associated with STIs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. Additionally, research on the impacts of penicillin G on Chlamydia trachomatis serovar D revealed significant abnormalities in inclusion bodies following treatment, highlighting the need for further exploration of antibiotic efficacy in STIs (ref: Wang doi.org/10.1007/s00203-025-04365-5/). The study on vaginal microbiome profiling also emphasizes the importance of understanding microbial populations in the context of AMR and treatment strategies (ref: Davidson doi.org/10.1007/s10815-025-03509-2/). Collectively, these studies reflect ongoing efforts to develop effective treatment strategies in the face of increasing resistance.

The epidemiology and trends of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reveal significant insights into global public health challenges. A comprehensive analysis of the Global Burden of Disease study indicated that trichomoniasis had the highest age-standardized rate (ASR) in Tanzania, while gonococcal and chlamydial infections showed the highest ASR in South Africa (ref: Deng doi.org/10.1186/s41182-025-00744-2/). This study underscores the need for targeted interventions in regions with high prevalence rates. Another ecological study in Canada aimed to describe trends in STI incidence, highlighting the importance of surveillance systems in understanding the dynamics of STIs (ref: Copete doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10050139/). Additionally, a cross-sectional study in Zambia reported a prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium at 12.6% among pregnant women, emphasizing the need for further research on its implications for maternal and child health (ref: Schröder doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1576376/). These findings collectively illustrate the evolving landscape of STIs and the necessity for ongoing monitoring and intervention strategies.