Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) continue to represent a significant challenge to public health worldwide. Despite advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, their prevalence remains high, with a substantial impact on morbidity, quality of life, and healthcare systems. Continuous updating of scientific knowledge is essential to improve strategies for early detection and control of these infections.

STIs affect millions of people each year around the world, with a higher burden among sexually active populations. During pregnancy, they pose a serious risk to both mother and baby, potentially causing preterm birth, low birth weight, infertility, or the transmission of severe diseases to the newborn.

Among the most prevalent infections are chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, which are considered curable STIs, as well as chronic viral infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus, and hepatitis B.

A particularly concerning issue is the sustained increase of certain bacterial STIs in various regions, associated with changes in sexual behavior, reduced condom use, and limited access to healthcare services among specific population groups. In addition, a significant proportion of infected individuals remain asymptomatic, which promotes silent transmission and makes it difficult to accurately estimate true prevalence.

Timely diagnosis of STIs is essential to initiate appropriate treatment, prevent complications, and reduce the chain of transmission. Traditionally, diagnosis has relied on clinical evaluation, serological testing, microbiological cultures, and antigen detection techniques. However, these methodologies have limitations in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround time.

Molecular panels have transformed STI diagnosis in recent years. These tools, primarily based on nucleic acid amplification techniques, allow the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens from a single clinical sample, such as urine or genital, rectal, or pharyngeal swabs.