Microbes and Sex
01 May 2003 publication
The lead articles of the May 2003 issue of Microbiology Today are on recent trends in STIs; behaviour and bacteria; when is an STD not an STD?; the changing face of HIV infection; bacterial sex; a new dimension to sex wars; and the question of influenza pandemic.
Recent trends in sexually transmitted infections in Britain (p. 55)
Kevin Fenton gives an overview of recent UK trends.
Behaviour and bacteria? (p. 56)
The incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections has rocketed in recent years. Cathy Ison and Ion Martin review current treatments and prevention strategies in the light of changing patterns of behaviour in both humans and bacteria.
When is an STD not an STD? - HPV and cervical cancer (p. 58)
The link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer is well established, yet cervical cancer is not a sexually transmitted disease in the traditional sense. Heather Cubie argues that HPV testing may be more effective than cytological screening programmes in identifying the disease.
Chlamydia trachomatis is bad for your sperm! (p. 61)
Infertility is a serious problem for many couples. Micro-organisms are one cause. Adrian Eley describes how chlamydia can affect the fertility of both men and women.
The changing face of HIV infection: the world's most important sexually transmitted infection (p. 63)
Philip Mortimer and Barry Evans explore the global issue of the HIV pandemic.
Bacterial sex (p. 66)
Chris Thomas explains the ins and outs of genetic transfer between bacteria.
A new dimension to sex wars: microbes that benefit female hosts (p. 68)
Parasitic microbes live in the cells of many invertebrates, where their presence can markedly benefit the female host. Mike Majerus describes the impact of these hijackers on the lives on certain insects.
Obituary (p. 71)
Former Member of Council Hans Veldkamp has passed away.
Gradline (p. 78)
The Society speaks to Tracey Duncombe, Press and Communications Officer at the Institute for Animal Health, and Leigh Fish, eLearning Manager at Glasgow Science Centre, about jobs in science communication.
Schoolzone (p. 80)
Dariel Burdass rounds up the news for science in schools.
Comment - influenza - are we on the brink of a pandemic? (p. 100)
Wendy Barclay wonders if there is another influenza pandemic coming, and if so, when it will arrive and how bad it will be.