Bacterial STIs Overview

Bacterial STIs

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Symptoms include yellow/green vaginal discharge with a strong odor, dysuria (painful urination), anal irritation/discharge, and irregular menstruation. Diagnosis involves swabs from infected areas or urine samples. Treatment is often multiple antibiotics, but drug resistance is a growing concern. Complications include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, preterm labor, and premature rupture of membranes. Transmission occurs through genital contact and sexual intercourse.

• Chlamydia trachomatis: Often asymptomatic. Symptoms may include vaginal discharge, inflamed cervix, cystitis, frequent urination, dysuria, dyspareunia (painful sex), mild lower abdominal pain, irregular menstruation, and eye infection. Diagnosis uses swabs or urine samples. Treatment involves antibiotics, often given with gonorrhea treatment due to co-infection. Complications include PID, ectopic pregnancy, and preterm labor. Transmission occurs through genital contact and sexual intercourse.

• Treponema pallidum (Syphilis): Stages include primary (chancre sores), secondary (rash, swollen lymph nodes), and tertiary (damage to internal organs, skin, CNS). Primary stage involves painless genital ulcers. Secondary stage includes very infectious symptoms. Tertiary stage may lead to serious complications, including neurological problems and death. Diagnosis via swab of chancre sores, various blood tests, and urine sample. Treatment includes penicillin; alternatives are for penicillin allergies or if pregnancy is possible. Complications include congenital syphilis in newborns, stillbirth, and low birth weight.

Viral STIs

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Transmission through sexual contact, childbirth, and blood. Incubation period is 3 months to appear after initial infection. Symptoms can include extreme fatigue, rapid weight loss, low-grade fevers, night sweats, and other symptoms, leading to conditions like PID and other STIs. Diagnosis includes antibody detection tests. There is no cure, but antiviral therapy prevents multiplication of the virus. Complications include susceptibility to other infections and potential long-term health issues.

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes). HSV-1 infects the mouth, lips, or nose, causing cold sores. HSV-2 infects the genital and anal area, presenting with tingling, blisters, and sores. Diagnosis involves clinical exam and swabs of sores. There is no cure, but antivirals manage symptoms.

Fungal STIs

• Candidiasis (Thrush): A yeast infection, common in the mouth and genitals, especially the vagina. It can be transmitted sexually. Other causes include antibiotic use and dietary changes. Symptoms include itching/soreness, thick white vaginal discharge, and discomfort during sex. Treatment uses antifungal creams, medications, and avoiding scented products.

General STI Prevention

• Safe Sex Practices: Condoms are crucial for prevention of various STIs.
• Mutual Monogamy: Limiting sexual partners to one uninfected partner.
• Vaccination: Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines are recommended.
• Regular STD Testing: Knowing one's status is critical for stopping transmission.
• Avoiding Sharing Needles: Prevents transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
• Good Genital Hygiene: Maintaining proper hygiene procedures, including avoiding douching, wearing clean cotton underwear, and wiping properly after using the toilet. Avoid tight clothing.

Patient Education:

• Key information for patients includes the disease's natural history, method of transmission, treatment options, importance of follow-up care, treatment of sexual partners, public health laws, condom use, and abstinence.

This quiz covers key information about bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), focusing on Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Learn about their symptoms, diagnosis methods, treatment options, and potential complications. Understanding these pathogens is crucial for promoting sexual health and preventing transmission.