Which factor contributes to sexually transmitted infections becoming a significant public health problem?

• A. Widespread immunization
• B. Fewer asymptomatic cases
• C. Antibiotic resistance
• D. Lower rates of risky behavior

Answer: (C)

Antibiotic resistance makes sexually transmitted infections much harder to treat, so people stay infected longer and can pass infections to others more easily. When pathogens like gonorrhea or others evolve resistance to standard drugs, the usual treatments fail, leading to longer illness, more transmission, and increased risk of complications. This forces more expensive or longer courses of therapy, complicates control efforts, and can require new drugs or vaccines, all of which raise the public health burden.

Immunization would reduce infections, not drive the problem. If there were fewer asymptomatic cases, infections would be detected and treated more readily, decreasing spread. Lower rates of risky behavior would also reduce transmission. These factors would lessen, not worsen, the public health impact.