Symptoms include bumps in and around the genitals. Spreads through any sexual contact (anal, oral, and vaginal), and also by skin to skin contact. A vaccine exists to help prevent this disease. Which of the following STIs is this?

Choice A reason: Human papillomavirus is incorrect because it is not caused by a bacterium, but by a virus. It can cause genital warts and cervical cancer, but it cannot be cured with antibiotics.

Choice B reason: Gonorrhea is correct because it is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae, often produces no symptoms, but can be treated with antibiotics. If symptoms occur, they may include painful urination and discharge from the penis or vagina. If left untreated, the infection can result in more serious long-term problems, including infertility, pain, and joint problems.

Choice C reason: Herpes simplex virus is incorrect because it is not caused by a bacterium, but by a virus. It can cause genital herpes, which is marked by painful blisters and sores in the genital area. It cannot be cured with antibiotics, but antiviral medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.

Choice D reason: Cytomegalovirus is incorrect because it is not caused by a bacterium, but by a virus. It usually causes mild or no symptoms in healthy people, but can be serious in people with weakened immune systems or unborn babies. It cannot be cured with antibiotics, but antiviral medications can help treat the symptoms.

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.