THE ROLE OF GONORRHEA AND SYPHILIS AMONG SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

Abstract

 This article, based on the data of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other scientific sources, examines the etiological agents of gonorrhea and syphilis, two of the most significant bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Their microscopic structure, growth conditions, diagnostic approaches (Gram staining, nucleic acid amplification tests [NAAT], and serological tests such as VDRL and RPR), as well as current treatment and prevention strategies, are reviewed. While Neisseria gonorrhoeae can be cultured and identified through direct microbiological techniques, Treponema pallidum remains challenging due to its inability to grow in artificial media, necessitating reliance on serological assays. The analysis highlights the importance of early diagnosis and standardized therapy to reduce complications and transmission rates.