Vaccines to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections: Promise, progress, and public health potential

PLoS Med. 2025 Dec 9;22(12):e1004849. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004849. eCollection 2025 Dec.

Abstract

Asymptomatic transmission, inequitable access to diagnostics, and rising antimicrobial resistance are major barriers to controlling the bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Developing vaccines against these infections has therefore become a key STI research priority, requiring innovative research, expedited clinical development, and increased investment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Vaccines* / therapeutic use
  • Chlamydia Infections / prevention & control
  • Gonorrhea / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Public Health*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial* / prevention & control
  • Syphilis / prevention & control

Substances

  • Bacterial Vaccines