National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

In-Depth Website Evaluation
By Pat Torrence

National Institute of Health: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institute of Health [website]. : The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: July 1999. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdinfo.htm

Evaluation of http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdinfo.htm


Author's Expertise: Commentary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) had it origins in the early days of the PHS (Public Health Service). In 1948 the Rocky Mountain Laboratory and Biologics Control Laboratory joined the Division Of Infectious Diseases and the Division of Tropical Diseases of the National Institutes of Health. That union formed the National Microbiological Institute. In 1954 congress gave the Institute its present name to reflect the inclusion of allergy and immunology research. Today, the NIAID provides major support for the scientists conducting research aimed at better diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of infectious, immunologic and allergic diseases. All information contained in articles are written by research scientists, and doctors. In, addition, NIAID scientists conduct "intramural" research in laboratories located in Bethesda, Rockville, and Frederick, Maryland.

Reliability of site

This is a site sponsored by a government entity. In this case it is The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and it is located on the National Institute of Health Web-site. The Names of scientists and doctors contributing information is listed and there is an address listed for the both institutes.

Reliability of linked pages

The facts stated on this web site are consistent with other web sites and printed material at my disposal. Yes, some information on treatment is new and accurate. Pages are from the same domain...all NIAID links.

Other pages linked to this page

These links ARE the author's pages and the new information contained therein are supportive of information already known and written about in medical journals.

Information from traditional sources

All of the information, with the possible exception of "new" treatments, can be found in medical journals and magazines. The information on this site is more detailed as to signs and symptoms and length of incubation time.

Last update of this page?

The fact sheet page is dated July 1999 but the facts remain accurate. The links to each disease or condition are more recent. The links on STD's have been updated as recently as November, 2002. The link to chlamydial infections was last updated in May, 2002 and the genital herpes information link was updated in March 2002.

Document Accuracy

There are no typographical or grammatical errors, that I could find. Accuracy does not seem to be a factor at this site. As nearly as I can tell this site is accurate in all information that it has published.

Relative bias of this page

This site DOES NOT show bias in perspective or presentation...it's a FACTSHEET PAGE. It certainly does not oversimplify or generalize the effects of contracting an STD.

Supporting evidence?

This is a fact sheet page on the signs and symptoms of STD's and includes possible treatments of such diseases. Every listing is forthcoming in its presentation of how serious some of these diseases can be.

Availability of second opinion?

I can, and have, contacted local doctors about the facts presented on this page and its links and all agree the facts are correct. Also, the JAMA magazine confirms the facts of this fact sheet page.

If you would like to visit a list of articles written by the doctors and scientists who contribute to this site you may go to:
http://www.thebody.com/niaid/niaidix.html
To revisit another URL evaluated earlier in this browser session, click on of the following:
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdinfo.htm
NIAID is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIAID supports basic and applied research to prevent, diagnose, and treat infectious and immune-mediated illnesses, including HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, illness from potential agents of bio-terrorism, tuberculosis, malaria, autoimmune disorders, asthma and allergies.
Prepared by:

 
  Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
Public Health Service
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services