The VD Epidemic: How It Started, Where It's Going, and What To Do About It

Abstract

Dr. Louis Lasagna, an accomplished physician and writer, again demonstrates his skills in his newest book. Dissatisfied with what has been written about venereal diseases, he has set out to describe concisely their biology, epidemiology, and some of the historical aspects. In a brief 150 pages he provides a wealth of information that should make interesting reading for our colleagues as well as for our patients, a rare combination in one book. The resurgence of gonorrhea and syphilis, despite the introduction of effective penicillin therapy 30 years ago, presents a fascinating and troubling epidemiologic and social problem. Dr. Lasagna is correct, I believe, in pointing out that one of the factors that accounts for this resurgence is the shift in diagnosis and therapy from the public clinic to the private physician's office. More physicians, especially those engaged in primary care, will have to become versed in the proper therapy of