A bugs life: What bacteria, viruses and other critters can get passed around by having sex?
A. Different sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have different characteristics, symptoms and ways of spreading. Also, different organisms cause different STDs. Bacteria: A microscopic germ that can cause disease; it can be cured with antibiotics. Examples of STDs caused by bacteria are syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Virus: A microscopic germ that can cause disease; it cannot be cured by antibiotics but can be treated. Examples of STDs caused by viruses are HIV, herpes, HPV and genital warts, and hepatitis B. Really Small Critters: Small insect or insect-like creatures. Some you can see, some are too small to be seen, but all are bigger than viruses or bacteria. These critters can be treated and cured. Examples include scabies and crabs.
