สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

«“√ “√ √“™∫— ≥±‘ µ¬ ∂“π ªï ∑’Ë Û ©∫— ∫∑’Ë Ò ¡.§.-¡’ .§. ÚıÙ¯ 209 æ√™— ¬ ‘ ∑∏‘ »√— ≥¬å °ÿ ≈ ·≈–§≥– Abstract Sexually Transmitted Diseases : Diseases of Civilization Pornchai Sithisarankul* Narin Hiransuthikul* Somchai Bovornkitti** *Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University **The Academy of Science, the Royal Institute Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a group of illnesses transmitted exclusively by sexual intercourse as well as certain other infectious diseases that could also be transmitted via sexual intercourse. STDs can be traced very far back in human history and are closely linked with the evolution of mankind and the approach toward civilization. The first documented case of an STD implicated gonorrhea and syphilis in ancient Babylonia. Subsequently, such diseases have gone through many changes, especially in terms of causative organisms. Currently, the syndrome caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seems to be the most notorious, i.e., the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Drastic social changes, including the increasing incidence of homosexuality, will make eradication of STDs globally less likely. Other manifestations worse than AIDS may occur in the future. Greater understanding of infections and appreciation of civilization and mankind’s social changes as principal concerns would lead to better control of STDs. Key words : sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), gonorrhea, syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), syphilis, diseases of civilization