Sexually Transmitted Infections Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which statement accurately describes the life cycle of Chlamydia?

The organism only exists in its reticulate form within human host cells.

It has a single life stage that alternates between infective and non-infective forms.

Elementary bodies are responsible for replication while reticulate bodies are infectious.

It consists of elementary bodies that cause infection and reticulate bodies that replicate. (correct)

What is a common clinical manifestation of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?

Urethral discharge

Painless genital warts

Severe abdominal pain (correct)

Herpes lesions

Which diagnostic method is most effective for detecting active chlamydia infections?

Darkfield microscopy

Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) (correct)

Gram stain

Serology testing

Which treatment is recommended for syphilis infection?

Penicillin Signup and view all the answers

What complication can arise from untreated gonorrhea?

Conjunctivitis Signup and view all the answers

Which virus is associated with the highest risk of developing cervical cancer?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key feature of the serology diagnostic test for STIs?

It detects antibodies produced in response to an infection. Signup and view all the answers

Which symptoms are commonly associated with infections caused by HSV-2?

Painful genital lesions and malaise Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic method is primarily used to confirm HSV infections?

NAAT or PCR of lesion swabs Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is most commonly prescribed for genital Herpes?

Antiviral medications like acyclovir Signup and view all the answers

How does the transmission of HPV primarily occur?

Direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true regarding certain serotypes of HPV?

Some are specifically linked to cancer Signup and view all the answers

What is a common treatment option for genital warts caused by HPV?

Wart removal via chemical or surgical methods Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about HPV infections?

HPV always causes visible warts Signup and view all the answers

In the clinical presentation of herpes simplex virus infections, what other symptom is often reported aside from painful lesions?

Headache Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a feature of viral shedding in HSV infections?

Viral shedding can occur without any symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What complication is common with untreated chlamydia leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?

Ectopic pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is ineffective against HPV but can be used for HSV infections?

Acyclovir Signup and view all the answers

What unique characteristic of Treponema pallidum makes it difficult to culture in a laboratory environment?

It is a spirochete that cannot be seen without special microscopy Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinguishing feature of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in terms of its genetic material?

Double-stranded DNA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of untreated STIs like chlamydia?

Acute appendicitis Signup and view all the answers

What type of microscopy is essential for diagnosing infections caused by Treponema pallidum?

Darkfield microscopy Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the nature of HPV in relation to cancer?

Certain strains of HPV are linked to cervical cancer Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the lifecycle of Chlamydia trachomatis?

It has distinct elementary and reticulate bodies Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with both genital herpes and HSV recurrence patterns?

Less severe subsequent outbreaks Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gonorrhea

Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a gram-negative diplococcus
Transmitted through sexual contact
Symptoms in men: urethritis, dysuria, and a purulent discharge
Symptoms in women: cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and asymptomatic infection
Treatment: ceftriaxone (intramuscular) and azithromycin (oral) for single-dose therapy
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern

Chlamydia

Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, an obligate intracellular bacterium
Transmitted through sexual contact
Symptoms in men: urethritis, dysuria, and epididymitis
Symptoms in women: cervicitis, PID, and asymptomatic infection
Diagnosis: nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)
Treatment: doxycycline or azithromycin

Syphilis

Caused by Treponema pallidum, a spirochete
Transmitted through sexual contact
Stages of infection:
- Primary: painless chancre
- Secondary: rash, fever, headache, and generalized lymphadenopathy
- Latent: no symptoms, but the infection persists
- Tertiary: neurological and cardiovascular complications
Gestational syphilis can lead to congenital syphilis in infants
Diagnosis: serological tests (RPR or VDRL) and treponemal tests (EIA or TPPA)
Treatment: penicillin G (intramuscular or intravenous)

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) or Type 2 (HSV-2)
Transmitted through sexual contact or close contact
Symptoms: painful genital lesions, fever, malaise, and dysuria
Diagnosis: clinical presentation, viral culture, or NAAT
Treatment: acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir
Prophylactic antivirals may be used to reduce recurrences

Genital Warts (HPV)

Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)
Transmitted through skin-to-skin contact
Some HPV types cause genital warts; others are associated with cervical, anal, or oral cancers
Symptoms: external genital warts, or asymptomatic infection
Diagnosis: visual inspection and possibly histological examination
Treatment: topical medications, cryotherapy, laser ablation, or surgical excision
Vaccination: HPV vaccine is effective in preventing HPV infection and related cancers

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

An inflammatory disease of the upper reproductive tract in women
Usually caused by sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
Symptoms: lower abdominal pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, and dyspareunia
Complications: ectopic pregnancy, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and tubal scarring
Treatment: antibiotics, hospitalization may be required

Key Points for Midterm Preparation

Understanding the causative agents of each STI
Knowing the transmission routes and modes of infection
Recognizing the clinical manifestations of each STI
Being familiar with the diagnostic methods for each STI
Understanding the standard treatment protocols for each STI
Being aware of complications and sequelae associated with each STI
Knowing the importance of public health interventions, including contact tracing and vaccination

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Description

This quiz covers the key aspects of three common sexually transmitted infections: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis. Learn about their causative agents, symptoms in men and women, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and concerns regarding antibiotic resistance. Test your knowledge on these important topics in sexual health.