The objective of NIAID-supported research is to develop effective diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic approaches to control bacterial, viral, and parasitic sexually transmitted infections (STIs). NIAID funds and provides scientific stewardship to STI research across the spectrum from basic to clinical science, in collaboration with scientific and community partners, and in alignment with the National STI Strategic Plan.
STI Research Priorities
Jump to content on this page: Expanding STI Knowledge, Diagnostics, Prevention, Therapeutics, Interventions for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Research Services
Expanding STI Knowledge
NIAID supports basic and epidemiological research to improve understanding of host immunity (how the human immune system responds to STIs, which can inform prevention and treatment) and disease progression (how the body might clear an STI on its own, or how an STI might become more severe). Studies of disease progression are conducted with laboratory samples or by studying people who are receiving STI treatment according to medical guidelines.
Diagnostics
Diagnostics development includes designing and evaluating point-of-care (at the healthcare facility when a person visits) STI testing, such as molecular and genetic testing, to guide STI care. Currently, many healthcare providers must rely on syndromic management—diagnosing and treating an STI based on the symptoms a person describes and that the provider can observe—which can result in inadequate treatment or contribute to antimicrobial resistance (when a pathogen stops responding to the treatment, making it less effective).
Prevention
Post-exposure Prophylaxis
NIAID supported pivotal studies of the oral antibiotic doxycycline taken within 72 hours of sex to prevent STI acquisition—any approach better known as DoxyPEP. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention circulated draft DoxyPEP guidelines for public input in 2023.
Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs)
MPTs are a class of microbicides preventing acquisition of more than one STI pathogen (bacterial or viral) or an STI pathogen and prevention of unwanted pregnancy. These medicines can be delivered several ways, such as: topically to the skin of the genital area, directly to the mucosal surfaces of the vagina or rectum via gels, films, fast dissolving tablets, controlled release vaginal rings or inserts and rectal suppositories, taken orally via pills or through injections.
Vaccines
Exploring novel vaccine concepts for prevalent STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. NIAID supports several grants for scientific vaccine discovery and development, including through the STI Cooperative Research Centers.
Barrier Methods
Latex condoms and topical microbicides (a substance applied to the vagina or rectum that kills or disables the microbes that cause STIs)—offer highly effective protection against STIs. NIAID-funded researchers are conducting clinical trials to test new topical microbicides and female-barrier methods to prevent STIs. Used correctly and consistently these products may greatly reduce a person’s risk of acquiring or transmitting most STIs, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas, syphilis, HPV, and HIV.
Therapeutics
Additional effective therapeutic agents for bacterial STIs are needed to reduce the spread and burden of antimicrobial resistance. Highly antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea is a persistent worldwide health threat. Similarly, benzathine penicillin G (BPG) is one of only a few antibiotics known to effectively treat syphilis. BPG shortages and penicillin allergies underscore the importance of diversifying treatment options. Read more about antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Interventions for Sexual and Reproductive Health
NIAID-supported research is also generating evidence to support availability of quality-controlled menstrual products, which may help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome and reduce women’s susceptibility to HIV and other STIs. Currently, menstrual products are costly or difficult to access in some countries and regions.
In addition, interventional and behavioral studies are underway to identify social and economic conditions and sexual behaviors that may increase a person’s vulnerability to STIs. Results of this work may reduce health disparities, especially among youth, women, and underrepresented minorities.
Research Services
Access opportunities to further your research, find available resources outside of specific funding opportunities, learn about active programs, and connect with other researchers. See Information for STI Researchers.