Amyloid beta protein protects brain from herpes infection by entrapping viral particles

A Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) study has found the mechanism by which amyloid beta (A-beta) -- the protein deposited into plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease -- protects from the effects of herpes viruses commonly found in the brain. Along with another study appearing in the same July 11 issue of Neuron, which found elevated levels of three types of herpes viruses in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, the MGH team's results support a potential role for viral infection in accelerating A-beta deposition and Alzheimer's progression.

"There have been multiple epidemiological studies suggesting people with herpes infections are at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease, along with the most recent findings from Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai that are being published with our study," says Rudolph Tanzi, PhD, director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit in the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND) and co-corresponding author of the Neuron paper. "Our findings reveal a simple and direct mechanism by which herpes infections trigger the deposition of brain amyloid as a defense response in the brain. In this way, we have merged the infection hypothesis and amyloid hypothesis into one 'Antimicrobial Response Hypothesis' of Alzheimer's disease."

Previous studies led by Tanzi and co-corresponding author Robert Moir, PhD, also of the MIND Genetics and Aging Research Unit, found evidence indicating that A-beta -- long thought to be useless "metabolic garbage" -- was an antimicrobial protein of the body's innate immune system, capable of protecting animal models and cultured human brain cells from dangerous infections. Given that brain infection with herpes simplex -- the virus that causes cold sores -- is known to increase with aging, leading to almost universal presence of that and other herpes strains in the brain by adulthood, the MGH team set out to find whether A-beta could protect against herpes infection and, if so, the mechanism by which such protection takes place.

After first finding that transgenic mice engineered to express human A-beta survive significantly longer after injections of herpes simplex into their brains than do nontransgenic mice, the researchers found that A-beta inhibited infection of cultured human brain cells with herpes simplex and two other herpes strains by binding to proteins on the viral membranes and clumping into fibrils that entrap the virus and prevent it from entering cells. Further experiments with the transgenic mice revealed that introduction of herpes simplex into the brains of 5- to 6-week-old animals induced rapid development of A-beta plaques, which usually appear only when the animals are 10 to 12 weeks old.

"Our findings show that amyloid entrapment of herpes viruses provides immediate, effective protection from infection," says Moir. "But it's possible that chronic infection with pathogens like herpes that remain present throughout life could lead to sustained and damaging activation of the amyloid-based immune response, triggering the brain inflammation that drives a cascade of pathologies leading to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. A key insight is that it's not direct killing of brain cells by herpes that causes Alzheimer's, rather it's the immune response to the virus that leads to brain-damaging neuroinflammation."

He continues, "Our data and the Mt. Sinai findings suggest that an antimicrobial protection model utilizing both anti-herpes and anti-amyloid drugs, could be effective against early Alzheimer's disease. Later on when neuroinflammation has begun, greater benefit may come from targeting inflammatory molecules. However, it remains unclear whether infection is the disease's root cause. After all, Alzheimer's is a highly heterogeneous disease, so multiple factors may be involved in its development.

Tanzi says, "We are currently conducting what we call the 'Brain Microbiome Project,' to characterize the population of microbes normally found in the brain. The brain used to be considered sterile but it turns out to have a resident population of microbes, some of which may be needed for normal brain health. Our preliminary findings suggest that the brain microbiome is severely disturbed in Alzheimer's disease and that bad players -- including herpes viruses -- seem to take advantage of the situation, leading to trouble for the patient. We are exploring whether Alzheimer's pathogenesis parallels the disrupted microbiome models seen in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, and the data generated to date are both surprising and fascinating."

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180705143920.htm

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Largest oral HPV study in England shows infection rates lower than expected

Infection rates of high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) oral infection in England are lower than expected, compared to previous US studies.

The research, conducted by the University of Sheffield, also strengthens evidence that smoking and sexual behaviour were shown to be risk factors for oral HPV infection, which can lead to oropharyngeal (throat) cancer.

This timely study published in the British Medical Journal Open, led by Professor Hilary Powers, Dr Vanessa Hearnden and Dr Craig Murdoch and funded by the World Cancer Research Fund UK, coincides with the announcement of a new UK HPV vaccine programme for boys which will reduce the risk of HR-HPV related cancers.

Rates of oropharyngeal cancers are increasing worldwide, attributable to an increase in the rate of oral infection with HR-HPV.

This new study of 700 men and women in Sheffield, which is the largest of its kind in England, looked for HR-HPV infection and also asked participants lifestyle questions relating to their sexual history and tobacco use.

A total of 2.2 per cent of people were infected with oral HR-HPV infection with 0.7 per cent positive for HPV16 or HPV18. There are large variations in oral HR-HPV prevalence globally however this study showed lower rates compared to previous Scottish and US studies which both found 3.7 per cent of individuals positive for oral HR-HPV.

Former smokers were significantly more likely to be HR-HPV positive compared with those that had never smoked. The study also found that participants with a greater number of sexual or oral sexual partners were more likely to be HR-HPV positive.

Dr Vanessa Hearnden, from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield, said: "Previous studies have been US-focused or in smaller UK studies in London or Scotland. This is the first study in the North of England and found lower rates of oral high-risk human papillomavirus infection.

"We fully support the newly announced HPV vaccination programme for boys which will reduce the risk of HPV related cancers including throat cancer in men and will also provide further prevention of cervical cancers through herd immunity.

"However, we found the majority of individuals testing positive for high risk strains of HPV were actually positive for strains other than those covered by the current vaccine (HPV 16 and HPV 18). This shows the need to consider newer vaccines which protect against more HPV strains in the future and for individuals to be aware of lifestyle risk factors such as number of sexual partners and tobacco use."

Dr Craig Murdoch, from the University of Sheffield's School of Clinical Dentistry, said: "Many people associate the HPV virus with cervical cancer but there is less recognition of the fact that HPV causes oropharyngeal cancer, and unfortunately, the prevalence of this cancer has increased dramatically in the past few years.

"The Sheffield Head and Neck Oncology Research Team are conducting research into HPV-related oral cancer in order to find better ways to treat this disease and improve quality of life."

Dr Kate Allen, Executive Director of Science & Public Affairs for World Cancer Research Fund International, said: "This study confirms the importance of lifestyle risk factors in prevention of the disease and sheds new light on the rates of oral HR-HPV infection in England."

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180820094502.htm

Candida albicans Infections, Symptoms & Treatment

Candida albicans

Candida albicans is part of our natural microflora — or the microorganisms that commonly live in or on our bodies. It can be found in the GI tract, the mouth, and the vagina.

Most of the time it causes no issues, but it's possible for overgrowths and infections to happen.

Candida albicans is the most prevalent cause of fungal infections in people. Its species name, albicans, comes from the Latin word for "white." The yeast appears white when cultured on a plate. And in the case of certain infections, like thrush, it can create white patches.

Types of Candida albicans Infections

The causes, symptoms, and treatment of four of the most common types of Candida infection.

Urinary yeast infection

Candida species are the most common cause of fungal urinary tract infections (UTIs). Candida UTIs can occur in the lower portion of the urinary tract or in some cases can ascend up to the kidneys.

The following can put you at risk of developing a Candida UTI:

• Having taken a course of antibiotics
• Having a medical device inserted, such as a urinary catheter
• Diabetes
• A weakened immune system

Symptoms

Many people with a Candida UTI don't have symptoms. If symptoms are present, they can include:

• An increased need to urinate
• A painful or burning sensation when urinating
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Blood in your urine
• Treatment
• Treatment is only recommended for symptomatic individuals. The antifungal drug fluconazole can be used in many cases.
• If a catheter is in place, it should be removed.

Genital yeast infection

Candida albicans is the most common cause of genital yeast infections.

Normally, a type of bacteria called Lactobacillus keeps the amount of Candida in the genital area under control. However, when Lactobacillus levels are disrupted in some way, Candida can overgrow and cause an infection.

You can also develop a Candida genital infection after participating in certain sexual activities, particularly those that involve oral-genital contact.

Although otherwise healthy individuals can get genital Candida infections, the following groups are at an increased risk:

• People that have taken antibiotics recently
• People with uncontrolled diabetes
• Immunosuppressed individuals
• Pregnant women
• People that are taking oral contraceptives or who are on hormone therapy

Symptoms

Symptoms of a genital Candida infection can include:

• A burning feeling while having sex or while urinating
• An itchy or painful feeling in or around the vagina
• Redness, irritation, or swelling around the vagina
• Abnormal vaginal discharge that can be either watery, or thick and white
• A rash around the vagina
• A rash on the penis

Candida species can also infect the male genitals, often if their partner has a vaginal Candida infection. The infection may be asymptomatic but can cause an itchy or burning rash around the head of the penis.

Treatment

Mild or moderate genital Candida infections can be treated with a short course of an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antifungal cream, pill, or suppository. You could also be prescribed a single dose of an oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole.

For more complicated infections, you may be prescribed a longer course of medication, either in the form of a cream, a pill, or an ointment.

Oral thrush

Despite being a normal part of the microflora of your mouth, Candida albicans can cause infections if it overgrows. The infection may not be limited to just your mouth. It can spread to your tonsils and the back of your throat as well.

• Severe infections may spread to the oesophagus.
• People that are at an increased risk for developing oral thrush include:
• Those taking antibiotics or corticosteroid drugs
• Someone with undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes
• Immunosuppressed individuals
• Those who wear dentures, particularly upper dentures

Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of oral thrush include:

white spots in your mouth that have the appearance of cottage cheese and may bleed when touched

• A burning or painful sensation in your mouth
• Redness inside your mouth or at the corners of your mouth
• Difficulty with eating or swallowing
• Loss of taste
• A cotton-like feeling inside your mouth
• If an oral thrush infection is left untreated, it can lead to a systemic Candidainfection, particularly in people with a weakened immune system.

Treatment

Oral thrush is treated with an antifungal medication that can come in the form of a pill, liquid, or lozenge. Examples of drugs that are used include nystatin or clotrimazole.

An oral course of fluconazole can be given for more severe cases.

Mucocutaneous candidiasis

Candida species can also infect your skin and mucus membranes.

Candida albicans is most often the cause of a fungal skin infection, although other Candida strains can also cause it.

Areas that are warm, moist, or sweaty provide good environments for yeast to thrive. Examples of such areas include the armpits, groin, the skin between your fingers and toes, the corners of your mouth, and the area under your breasts.

Other risk factors for developing a Candida skin infection include:

• Wearing tight or synthetic undergarments
• Having poor hygiene or changing undergarments infrequently, including infrequent diaper changes for infants
• Taking antibiotics or corticosteroid drugs
• Having diabetes
• Having a weakened immune system

Symptoms

The most common symptom of a Candida skin infection is a red rash that forms in the affected area.

In some cases, blister-like lesions can form. The skin may also become thickened or produce a white substance that has a curd-like appearance.

Treatment

Antifungal creams are typically given to clear the skin infection. They can contain antifungal drugs such as clotrimazole, miconazole, and econazole.

A steroid cream may also be given to help ease any itching or swelling. The skin should also be kept dry while recovering.

In cases where the infection is widespread, oral fluconazole pills may be prescribed.

Candida Infections Diagnosis

In order to diagnose candidiasis, your doctor will first take your medical history and ask you about your symptoms. They may also ask if you have any conditions or medications that could lead to a weakened immune system, or if you've taken a course of antibiotics recently.

Many common cases of candidiasis can often be diagnosed through a physical examination.

If your doctor is uncertain if your symptoms are due to a Candida infection, they may take a sample from the affected area. This sample can then be used to culture the organism and to identify what species it is. For example, if candidemia is suspected, your doctor will collect a blood sample for testing.

Identifying the species of Candida that's causing your infection is also helpful because your doctor will be able to prescribe an antifungal medication that will be effective in treating that particular species.

Normally, Candida species are a part of the natural microflora of the GI tract, skin, and vagina, and don't cause disease. Some circumstances, such as taking a long course of antibiotics or having a weakened immune system can increase your risk of developing a Candida infection.

The most common Candida infections, such as vaginal and skin infections, are localized and can be treated with antifungal drugs. An untreated Candida infection carries the risk of leading to a systemic infection in which other organs can become involved.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322722.php

Plant compound 'much more effective' than traditional anti-HIV drug

Azidothymidine, the first drug that was approved in the fight against AIDS in the 1980s, is still a main component in the medication mix commonly prescribed to HIV patients today. But new research may have found a plant-derived chemical compound that is much more effective than azidothymidine.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that around 1.1 million people have HIV, and 1 in 7 of them are not aware that they have it.

Due to awareness campaigns and efforts to prevent HIV, the number of new infections dropped by 19 percent between 2005 and 2014. The number of HIV-related deaths has also been falling since the mid-1990s, largely due to advances in HIV treatment.

Although there is yet no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy significantly slows down the progression of the virus. The first drug to have been approved in the fight against AIDS is azidothymidine (AZT).

Since 1987, however - the year in which AZT was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - the virus has adapted to the drug. Today, HIV patients are given a combination of various drugs, of which AZT is often still the main component.

AZT works by inhibiting an enzyme that the HIV virus needs to replicate inside a host cell. This enzyme is called reverse transcriptase.

New research, published in the Journal of Natural Products, has found a plant compound that may be more effective at inhibiting this enzyme than AZT.

The chemical compound is called "patentiflorin A" and is derived from a medicinal plant found in East Asia: Justicia gendarussa.

The discovery is the result of a research effort extending over several years, carried out by an international team of scientists from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), the Hong Kong Baptist University in Kowloon Tong, and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in Hanoi.

The team was led by Lijun Rong, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the UIC College of Medicine, who has special expertise in identifying antiviral agents.

Patentiflorin A inhibits HIV 'much more effectively' than AZT

Prof. Rong and colleagues selected Justicia from a pool of more than 4,500 plants.

After separating the extracts of the stems and roots of this plant using bioassay-guided isolation - which is the most common procedure for separating extracted compounds based on their biological activity - the researchers found the "anti-HIV arylnaphthalene lignan glycoside" that is patentiflorin A.

Then, Prof. Rong and team assessed the effect of the compound against the M-tropic and T-tropic HIV isolates. "Tropism" refers to the type of cells that the virus can invade. M-tropism refers to the virus' ability to invade macrophages, while T-tropism refers to its ability to invade T cells, which are both white blood cells with key roles in immunity.

The tropism tests showed that patentiflorin A had "a significantly higher inhibition effect than the clinically used anti-HIV drug AZT."

"Patentiflorin A was able to inhibit the action of reverse transcriptase much more effectively than AZT and was able to do this both in the earliest stages of HIV infection when the virus enters macrophage cells and alter infection when it is present in T cells of the immune system," Prof. Rong explains.

He also notes that his team managed to synthesize the compound de novo, or "from scratch." He says:

"If we can make the drug in the lab, we don't need to establish farms to grow and harvest the plant, which requires significant financial investment, not to mention it has an environmental impact."

He concludes, "Patentiflorin A represents a novel anti-HIV agent that can be added to the current anti-HIV drug cocktail regimens to increase suppression of the virus and prevention of AIDS."

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317966.php

Screening HPV infection alone more accurate than Pap test in detection of cervical cancer

Screening for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection alone gives more accurate results than Pap (smear) testing for cervical cancer, say the authors of two papers to published today in the journal Gynecologic Oncology. HPV infection causes almost all cervical cancer, and it is estimated that more than half of sexually active people are infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Now new research has shown that in many cases, an HPV test alone can be used for cervical cancer screening instead of a Pap or cotesting with both an HPV and a Pap test, the researchers say.

In the first paper1, Dr Warner Huh, from the Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA, sets out the findings of a panel convened to provide guidance on using HPV as the first-line primary screening test. The panel included representatives from all the major US organizations involved in cervical cancer screening, and addressed questions related to the safety and effectiveness of HPV testing for primary screening and whether it could be considered as an alternative to the screening methods currently in use in the US. The panel was convened because of an application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an existing HPV test to be used for primary HPV cervical cancer screening. The guidance was based on a literature review and also on review of data from the ATHENA study which was conducted to support the primary screening application to the FDA.

"We found that, in patients aged 25 years and upwards, primary HPV testing performed better than a Pap alone, and we recommend that such tests should be carried out no sooner than every three years. This is an important advance in cervical cancer screening because it offers a better reassurance of low cancer risk compared to Pap screening, which is also carried out at three year intervals," Dr Huh said.

Infection with just two HPV genotypes, 16 and 18, is responsible for about 70% of all invasive cervical cancers worldwide. The panel recommends that patients testing positive for either of these two high risk genotypes should have immediate colposcopy - a procedure using a lighted magnifying device that allows doctors to see abnormal areas in the cervix that would be missed by the naked eye. Women with one of the 12 other HPV genotypes can be followed-up in 12 months with repeat testing with both the HPV test and a Pap.

"We believe that there is still considerable confusion over the three current screening options, and the intervals at which they should be performed. We hope that our deliberations will go some way towards reducing this uncertainty. However, I would still like to see more data from the US, and evidence from other countries using primary HPV screening such as Australia and The Netherlands. But in the absence of data to the contrary, we believe that primary HPV testing has potential to further reduce cervical cancer in the US," Dr Huh said.

The second paper2 reveals end-of-study results of the ATHENA trial which evaluated safety and effectiveness of HPV primary screening as an alternative to Pap in women of 25 years and older. 42,209 women in this age group were enrolled into the trial and had both Pap and HPV testing. Those with abnormal Pap test results and those who were HPV positive were referred for colposcopy.

"We found that HPV primary screening was as effective in women aged 25 years and over when compared to Pap alone for women 25 and 29 and cotesting for those aged 30 and over. However, HPV screening alone requires only one test, and this is important for many women who may not be able to afford the cost of two tests," said Dr Thomas Wright, a Professor Emeritus of Pathology and Cell Biology at Columbia University, New York, USA.

To determine the impact of starting HPV screening at different ages, the researchers compared the prevalence of HPV positivity and Pap abnormalities as well as the three year detection rate of high-grade cervical disease by age group. They found that although HPV positivity was almost twice as high in women aged 25-29 as it was in women aged 30-39, HPV testing identified about twice as many high-grade cervical disease cases in women aged 25-29 than did the Pap.

"When Pap screening is used in this age group, the women with missed high-grade cervical disease are told to return in three years for repeat screening and some are likely to develop invasive cervical cancer", said Dr Wright.

"Our results, from the first prospective US study to evaluate the performance of HPV primary screening, have shown clearly that this new screening approach should be considered as an option for women 25 years and older", Dr Wright said. However, he added that the recent FDA approval for HPV primary screening is limited to a single commercially available HPV test and to only one of the two widely utilised liquid-based Pap tests. "In order to facilitate the widespread adoption of this safe and effective method of screening, it would be advantageous to have additional HPV tests and the other liquid-based Pap tests approved. We hope that our research will help reduce morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer worldwide," he said.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-01-screening-hpv-infection-accurate-pap.html

Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States today. More than 20 STDs have been identified and they affect an estimated 19 million men and women in this country each year. The annual treatment cost of STDs in the United States is estimated to be more than $14 billion.

How do STDs affect women?

Health problems caused by STDs tend to be more severe and more frequent for women than for men, in part because for women there are often no visible symptoms, so they do not seek care until serious problems have developed.

Some STDs can spread into the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes to cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is a cause of both infertility and ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can be fatal. STDs in women also may be associated with cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus infection (HPV) can cause genital warts and cervical and other genital cancers. STDs can be passed from a mother to her baby before, during or immediately after birth. Some of these new-born infections can be cured easily, but others may cause a baby to be permanently disabled or even die.

What are the most common types of STDs?

Chlamydial Infection

This infection is the most common of all bacterial STDs, with an estimated 2.8 million new cases occurring each year. Chlamydial infection may cause an abnormal vaginal discharge and burning during urination. In women, untreated chlamydial infection may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), one of the most common causes of ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women. Many people with chlamydial infection, however, have few or no symptoms of infection; it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Once diagnosed with chlamydial infection, a person can be treated with an antibiotic.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes affects at least 45 million Americans ages 12 and older. Approximately 500,000 new cases of this incurable viral infection develop annually. Herpes infections are caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 and type 2. Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender sores that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter. The virus remains in the body for life and the lesions may recur from time to time. Severe or frequently recurrent genital herpes is treated with one of several antiviral drugs that are available by prescription. These drugs help control the symptoms, but do not eliminate the herpes virus from the body. Suppressive antiviral therapy can be used to prevent recurrences and perhaps transmission. Women who acquire genital herpes can transmit the virus to their babies during delivery. Untreated HSV infection in new-borns can result in mental retardation and death.

Genital Warts 

Genital warts (also called venereal warts or condylomata acuminata) are caused by the human papillomavirus, a virus related to the one that causes common skin warts. Certain high-risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers, but these are different from the types that cause genital warts. Genital warts usually first appear as small, hard painless bumps in the vaginal area or around the anus. If untreated, they may grow and develop a fleshy, cauliflower-like appearance. There is a very low risk that a pregnant woman with genital warts can pass HPV to her baby. In the rare cases where HPV is passed, the baby could develop warts in the throat or voice box. Genital warts infect between 500,000 to 1 million Americans each year. They are usually removed by freezing, burning or laser treatment. If the warts are very large, they can be removed by surgery. If they recur, they may be treated with injections of a type of interferon. Although treatments may get rid of warts, they do not get rid of HPV, which can still be passed on to sex partners.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported infectious disease in the United States. The CDC estimates that more than 700,000 persons in this country get new gonorrheal infections each year; only about half of these infections are reported to the CDC. Most women who are infected have no symptoms. Even when a woman has symptoms, they can be so non-specific as to be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. The most common symptoms of gonorrhea are a vaginal discharge or vaginal bleeding between periods. Untreated cases can lead to serious complications, including PID, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Historically, penicillin has been used to treat gonorrhea, but in the last decade resistance to penicillin has emerged. New antibiotics or combinations of drugs must be used to treat these resistant strains.

Syphilis 

While the rate of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis – the most infectious stages of the disease – reached an all-time low in 2000, it has increased dramatically in recent years. Between 2004 and 2005, the number of reported P&S syphilis cases in the United States increased from 7,980 to 8,724. The overall increase in syphilis cases was driven primarily by increases among males. However, troubling trends also were seen among females, as the rate of reported cases among females increased for the first time in more than 10 years. Syphilis is easily curable in its early stages. The initial symptom is a chancre, a painless open sore that usually appears around or in the vagina. If untreated, it can lead to serious long-term complications, including problems of the heart and central nervous system, organ damage and even death. Congenital syphilis can cause stillbirth, death soon after birth, and physical deformity and neurological complications in children who survive. The full course of the disease can take years. Penicillin remains the most effective drug in the treatment of syphilis.

Other STDs

Other diseases that may be sexually transmitted include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, cytomegalovirus infections and pubic lice (crabs). STDs in pregnant women are associated with a number of adverse outcomes, including spontaneous abortion and infection in the new-born. Low birth weight and prematurity appear to be associated with STDs, including chlamydial infection and trichomoniasis. Congenital or perinatal infection (infection that occurs around the time of birth) occurs in 30 percent to 70 percent of infants born to infected mothers, and complications may include pneumonia, eye infections, and permanent neurologic damage.

What can you do to prevent STDs?

The best way to prevent STDs is to avoid sexual contact with others. If you decide to be sexually active, there are things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing an STD:

Have a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner.

Use condoms correctly every time you have sex. The use of latex or polyurethane condoms during vaginal intercourse, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of STDs.

Delay having sexual relations as long as possible. The younger people are when having sex for the first time, the more susceptible they become to developing an STD. The risk of acquiring an STD also increases with the number of partners over a lifetime.

Source: http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/womenshealth/factsheets/std.htm