Caused by a virus that's related to the virus that causes chickenpox, this infection spreads through any form of unprotected sex, and can be spread even when someone has no signs of having it. It has no cure but medications can help control outbreaks. Which of the following infections is being described?

Choice A reason: Chlamydia is not the least common of all the major sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, it is the most common bacterial STD in the world, affecting about 131 million people each year. ¹ Therefore, this statement is false and does not need to be emphasized.

Choice B reason: Good handwashing technique is not the best way to prevent chlamydial infections. Chlamydia is spread through sexual contact, not through casual contact or hygiene. The best way to prevent chlamydial infections is to practice safe sex, such as using condoms, limiting the number of partners, and getting tested regularly. Therefore, this statement is misleading and does not need to be emphasized.

Choice C reason: Most people infected with chlamydia are unaware that they are infected. This is because chlamydia often has no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild and easily ignored. This can lead to serious complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and increased risk of HIV. Therefore, this statement is true and needs to be emphasized.

Choice D reason: Burning and pain with urination is a frequent symptom of chlamydial infections. However, this symptom is not specific to chlamydia, as it can also occur with other STDs or urinary tract infections. Moreover, not all people with chlamydia experience this symptom, especially women. Therefore, this statement is not very informative and does not need to be emphasized.

Choice A reason: Herpes simplex virus is incorrect because it is not the infection described in the question. It is transmitted through direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes of someone who is infected, usually through oral or genital sex. Symptoms include painful blisters and sores in the mouth or genitals. It does not cause life-threatening infections, but it can increase the risk of other sexually transmitted infections.

Choice B reason: Human papillomavirus is incorrect because it is not the infection described in the question. It is transmitted through direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes of someone who is infected, usually through genital sex. Symptoms include genital warts and cervical cancer. It does not cause life-threatening infections, but it can increase the risk of other cancers.

Choice C reason: Human immunodeficiency virus is correct because it is the infection described in the question. It is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluid of someone who is infected, usually through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or passed from a mother to a baby at birth. Symptoms may take 10 years or more to show. Once they appear, the person is susceptible to life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or cancer. This condition is also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Choice D reason: Cytomegalovirus is incorrect because it is not the infection described in the question. It is transmitted through direct contact with the saliva, urine, or breast milk of someone who is infected, usually through kissing, sexual contact, or breastfeeding. Symptoms are usually mild or absent in healthy people, but they can be serious in people with weakened immune systems or unborn babies. It does not cause life-threatening infections, but it can cause birth defects, hearing loss, or vision problems.