Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to pose significant public health challenges in Korea, with syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, Mycoplasma genitalium, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) being the most prevalent. This review provides an updated overview of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these significant STIs in Korea, highlighting recent trends and concerns. Syphilis incidence rates have fluctuated due to changes in surveillance systems. Starting in 2024, syphilis will be reclassified as a nationally notifiable infectious disease (category 2). Gonorrhea remains a concern due to increasing antibiotic resistance, including the emergence of extensively drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains, underscoring the need for vigilant antimicrobial stewardship. Chlamydia continues to be the most commonly reported STI, although its incidence has declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. M. genitalium has gained attention as a significant STI with rising antibiotic resistance issues, necessitating updated treatment guidelines and consideration of resistance testing. HSV-2 remains a common cause of genital herpes, with steady incidence rates reported. Updated diagnostic methods, including nucleic acid amplification tests, and revised treatment guidelines are presented to effectively address these infections. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on other STIs within Korea remains unclear, necessitating further research. Changes in treatment guidelines, such as the recommendation of doxycycline as first-line therapy for chlamydia, reflect evolving evidence and resistance patterns. The importance of updated diagnostic tools, including resistance testing for M. genitalium, is emphasized to improve treatment outcomes. Continued efforts in education, prevention, and research are essential to manage and mitigate the impact of STIs on public health in Korea.

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• Secondary syphilis with oropharyngeal and skin lesions confirmed by PCR mimicking chicken pox or mpox in a patient with HIV
  Dong-Min Kim, Do-Yeong Kim, Jun-Won Seo, Da Young Kim, Na Ra Yun, You Mi Lee, Choon-Mee Kim
  Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease.2025; 112(2): 116765.     CrossRef

In response to the changes in the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic situation, Ewha Womans University established Ewha Safe Campus (ESC), an on-campus infection outbreak management system, to allow students and faculty members to safely resume face-to face classes in 2022. The COVID-19 testing station, Ewha Safe Station, is the core element of ESC. Symptomatic students and faculty members perform a combo swab self-PCR test or receive a nasopharyngeal swab PCR test from experts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through early detection and management. ESC is significant in that it detects infection risks and proactively implements preemptive measures in a university. The COVID-19 health response system model at the university level was applied for the first time in South Korea, reaching a milestone in the history of university health in South Korea. In particular, it is highly valuable that the test was free of charge, as it enabled all of the examinees to have easy access to the test through joint cooperation with the Seegene Medical Foundation. This is a successful example of cooperation between schools and private institutions for public health improvement. In the future, the direct and indirect effects of the establishment and implementation of ESC need to be evaluated and confirmed, and areas requiring improvements need to be identified in preparation for another infectious disease outbreak in the future.

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• A Proactive Testing Strategy to COVID-19 for Reopening University Campus during Omicron Wave in Korea: Ewha Safe Campus (ESC) Project
  Whanhee Lee, Kyunghee Jung-Choi, Hyunjin Park, Seunghee Jun, Nackmoon Sung, Sun-Hwa Lee, Misun Chang, Hee Jung Choi, Chung-Jong Kim, Hyesook Park, Eunhee Ha
  The Ewha Medical Journal.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef