Introduction

In recent years, molecular techniques have enhanced our ability to detect sexually transmitted infections and to conduct research to further our understanding of sexually transmitted diseases. Molecular methods to quantitate pathogen load have also been shown to be useful for the management of HIV and other viral STDs.

Existing laboratory manuals for the clinical microbiology laboratory often do not include molecular methods for STDs. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Methods and Protocols is intended to fill the need for a dedicated manual that covers all the fundamental aspects of molecular protocols for laboratory diagnosis, as well as research methodology for STDs, including HIV.

There are more than types of molecular techniques described in this book covering nine major sexually transmitted pathogens. Although molecular methods for the detection of such pathogens as Trichomonas vaginalis are available in the published literature, they have not been included since they are not yet widely used for laboratory diagnosis or research.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Methods and Protocols is one of a series of books treating Methods in Molecular Medicine, published by Humana Press.