sexually transmitted disease (STD), an infectious disease usually acquired by sexual intercourse or genital contact. These diseases are among the most common communicable diseases, and the incidence has risen in recent years despite improved methods of diagnosis and treatment. Historically, the five venereal diseases were gonorrhea, syphilis, chancroid, granuloma inguinale, and lymphogranuloma venereum. To these have been added scabies, herpes genitalis and anorectal herpes and warts, pediculosis, trichomoniasis, genital candidiasis, molluscum contagiosum, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus infection, nonspecific urethritis, chlamydial infections, cytomegalovirus, and human immunodeficiency virus. Also called venereal disease. See also specific diseases.
