Sexually Transmitted Infections Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary pathogen responsible for syphilis?

The primary pathogen responsible for syphilis is Treponema pallidum.

How does the type of sexual activity influence the risk of acquiring STIs?

The type of sexual activity affects STI risk as practices that involve contact between different orifices and mucosal surfaces create more opportunities for transmission.

What factor significantly increases the risk of STIs in men?

Uncircumcised men have a higher risk of acquiring STIs.

What is a common complication associated with syphilis?

<p>A common complication of syphilis is congenital syphilis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do asymptomatic individuals play in the transmission of STIs?

<p>Asymptomatic individuals play a crucial role in the transmission of STIs as they can spread infections without showing any visible symptoms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the rate of syphilis in women changed in the USA during 2014-2015?

<p>During 2014-2015, the rate of syphilis in women in the USA increased by almost 30%.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the clinical implications of multiple STIs occurring simultaneously?

<p>Multiple STIs can complicate clinical management and increase the overall risk of transmission and severe health outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does promiscuity have on the spread of STIs?

<p>Promiscuity increases the spread of STIs by providing more opportunities for exposure to infected individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections in disease transmission?

<p>Asymptomatic STIs facilitate further cycles of infection and spread as individuals are less likely to seek treatment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does human mobility contribute to the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections?

<p>Increasing density and mobility of human populations leads to more sexual interactions, enhancing the spread of STIs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the absence of vaccines significant in controlling sexually transmitted infections?

<p>Without vaccines for most STIs, prevention relies heavily on behavioral interventions and education about safer sex practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What behavioral factors influence the acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted infections?

<p>The level of promiscuity, or the number of sexual partners, significantly influences both the likelihood of acquiring and transmitting infections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some common clinical features of sexually transmitted infections?

<p>Common clinical features include genital discomfort, abnormal discharge, and in some cases, asymptomatic presentations, like in early HIV infection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major contributing factor to the alarming frequency of new STI cases globally?

<p>The increasing number of new cases can be attributed to a combination of behavioral factors and a higher number of sexual partners.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does serological testing play a role in the diagnosis of STIs?

<p>Serological testing detects antibodies or antigens in the blood, helping identify active or past infections of STIs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the implications of having a high incidence of asymptomatic gonorrhea in females.

<p>High rates of asymptomatic gonorrhea in females can lead to untreated infections, resulting in complications and ongoing transmission.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of serological screening for syphilis in pregnant women?

<p>To prevent congenital syphilis by identifying and treating the infection early in pregnancy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does congenital syphilis occur, and what preventative measures should be taken?

<p>Congenital syphilis occurs when a pregnant woman with syphilis transmits the infection to her fetus; early screening and treatment are crucial for prevention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the significance of contact tracing in the management of STIs.

<p>Contact tracing helps identify and treat sexual partners to prevent the spread of STIs and reduce reinfection risks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the common clinical symptoms of gonorrhea in males and females?

<p>In males, urethral discharge and dysuria; in females, vaginal discharge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do nucleic acid detection tests (NAT) play in diagnosing STIs?

<p>NAT are highly sensitive tests that detect the genetic material of pathogens, improving STI diagnosis compared to traditional methods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the relationship between Trichomonas vaginalis and vaginal discharge.

<p>Trichomonas vaginalis is associated with vaginal discharge that may contain motile trophozoites observed in wet preparation microscopy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of bacterial vaginosis, and how is it linked to G. vaginalis?

<p>Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by an overgrowth of G. vaginalis and is marked by a fishy odor and clue cells in the discharge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential complications of untreated STIs in women?

<p>Untreated STIs can lead to complications such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and chronic pain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

STIs

Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and genital warts, tracked globally and nationally.

Syphilis

A serious STI caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, with worldwide distribution, and potentially causing congenital infection.

Multiple STI Infections

The possibility of having more than one STI at a time. STIs can occur together, like syphilis and gonorrhoea.

Host Factors

Elements of a person that affect their risk of getting STIs, like sexual habits, genital lesions and circumcision status.

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Sexual Activity

The kinds of sexual activity influences the possibility of STIs. Certain activities increase risks.

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Treponema pallidum

The specific bacterium responsible for syphilis.

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Contagious STI

An STI that can be spread from one person to another through sexual contact.

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MSM

Men who have sex with men. This group can also be affected by STIs, like HIV.

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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Infections spread through sexual contact.

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Asymptomatic STIs

STIs without noticeable symptoms.

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HIV infection

A global health issue affecting millions

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Other STIs

Various infections apart from HIV, occurring in high numbers globally

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Treatment and education targets

Focus of efforts to manage STIs.

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Promiscuity

Having many sexual partners.

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STI control difficulty

Challenges in managing the spread of STIs.

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Condom use

Safer sex practice to reduce STI risk.

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Gonorrhea Symptoms (Female)

Initially asymptomatic, but later can cause infertility; vaginal discharge is a later symptom.

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Gonorrhea Symptoms (Male)

Urethral discharge and pain upon urination (dysuria).

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Trichomoniasis Diagnosis

Detected by microscopic examination of vaginal secretions; also via culture or rapid point-of-care tests; NAT tests are highly sensitive.

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Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Symptom

Characterized by a 'fishy' odor, clue cells (vaginal epithelial cells covered in bacteria) and increased vaginal bacteria.

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Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Cause

High numbers of Gardnerella vaginalis and other anaerobes in the vagina.

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Syphilis Prevention

Preventable by pregnant women being screened serologically early in pregnancy.

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Secondary STI Screening

Patients with other STIs should be screened for syphilis.

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STD Prevention

Includes early diagnosis, adequate treatment, contact tracing & screening, and treatment for involved partners.

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Study Notes

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

  • STIs can cause diseases without obvious symptoms, particularly in early stages or with asymptomatic infections
  • Difficulty controlling STIs is linked to factors like population density, sexual behavior, and the lack of vaccines for most STIs
  • 472,038 new STD cases were reported in the UK in 2014/2015
  • Reasons for increasing STIs include:
    • Population density and mobility
    • Difficulty altering sexual behavior
    • Very limited STI vaccines
  • HIV has had the largest global impact, affecting nearly 37 million people in 2015
  • Numerous new STI cases occur globally each year
  • High number of sexual partners increases risk of acquiring and spreading STIs
  • Uncircumcision and genital lesions increase STI risk
  • Syphilis can occur with other STIs, such as gonorrhoea, and genital herpes can be reactivated during gonorrhea attacks.

Syphilis

  • Caused by Treponema pallidum
  • Worldwide spread, a serious problem, especially in resource-poor countries due to severe sequelae and risk of congenital infection
  • Syphilis rates in women increased nearly 30% in the USA (2014-2015), with congenital syphilis rising by 6% during that period.
  • Similar trends are observed in the UK.

Gonorrhoea

  • Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae
  • Transmission is primarily through sexual contact—person to person.
  • High rates in women compared to men due to asymptomatic infections
  • Gonococci have mechanisms to attach to mucosal cells preventing them from being washed away by bodily fluids
  • Infection is commonly localized, but can spread to the bloodstream in some cases.
  • Symptoms in women can be mild or nonexistent.
  • Symptoms in men are characterized by significant urethral discharge and pain on urination.

Chlamydia

  • Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
  • Extremely common and easily curable in the U.S.
  • Characterized by various symptoms depending on location of infection

Other STIs

  • Trichomonas vaginalis: parasitic infection characterized by a foul, copious vaginal discharge. A protozoan with microscopic identification
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Viral infection that causes painful sores and is highly contagious
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Viral infection that can cause genital warts and some cancers; currently some vaccines are available.
  • Bacterial vaginosis: a non-specific condition characterized by an increased number of specific bacteria and a fishy vaginal discharge.
  • Candida infection: yeasts that causes vaginal discharge
  • Chancroid: Caused by Haemophilus ducreyi and characterized by painful genital ulcers; challenging to treat
  • Donovanosis: Rare; caused by Klebsiella granulomatis; presents as genital nodules and ulcers.

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