Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are frequently asymptomatic. In women with gonorrhea or chlamydial infections, the majority have no symptoms until complications of ascending genital tract infection ensue. Even in symptomatic patients, no clinical features reliably distinguish these infections from other STIs that may be concurrent or from non–sexually transmitted genital tract disorders. Less than 20% of HSV-2–seropositive persons are aware of having been infected.<sup>2 Brown Z.A., Benedetti J.K., Watts D.H. , e al. The acquisition of herpes simplex virus during pregnancy N Engl J Med 1997 ;  337 : 509-515  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Only a small proportion of those with genital HPV infections have overt genital warts. The purpose of screening is to detect persons with uncomplicated infections so that treatment can be given that will prevent complications and inhibit transmission. It provides an opportunity to prevent serious sequelae in young men and women, their unborn children, and their sexual partners. In developed countries, despite the necessity for sophisticated laboratory testing, screening is a highly cost-effective strategy in the control of STI. Ideally, it should be combined with strategies to prevent the acquisition of STI by promotion of safer sexual practices and condom usage, to increase health-seeking behavior of symptomatic patients by public education and the provision of user-friendly clinical services, and to improve diagnosis and treatment for those who present for health care. Screening does require a complex health care infrastructure that generally is not unavailable in developing countries where alternative control strategies, such as those based on syndromic case management or mass treatment,<sup>17 Temmerman M., Njagi E., Nagelkerke N. , e al. Mass antimicrobial treatment in pregnancy: A randomised, placebo-controlled trial in a population with high rates of sexually transmitted diseases J Reprod Health 1995 ;  40 : 176-180

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> are usually more appropriate.