Chapter 15: Sexually Transmitted Infections Flashcards
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Infections that are transmitted by sexual contact.
Chlamydia
Urogenital infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
An infection of the uterus and pelvic cavity.
Trachoma
A chronic, contagious form of conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia infections.
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and the exposed surface of the eyeball.
Gonorrhea
A sexually transmitted infection that initially causes inflammation of mucous membranes.
Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU)
An inflammation of the urethral tube cause by organisms other than gonococcus.
Herpes
An infection characterized by blisters on the skin in the regions of the genitals or mouth. It is caused by the Herpes simplex virus and is easily transmitted through sexual contact.
Prodromal symptoms
Symptoms that warn of an impending herpes eruption.
Genital warts
Viral warts that appear on the genitals and are primarily transmitted sexually.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Virus that can be transmitted sexually and cause reproductive health problems, including genital warts and cervical cancer.
Viral hepatitis
An ailment in which liver function is impaired by a viral infection.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
A vaginal infection caused by bacterial microorganisms; it is the most common form of vaginitis among U.S. women.
Urethritis
An inflammation of the urethral tube.
Cystitis
An infection of the bladder.
Candidiasis
Inflammatory infection of the vaginal tissues caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans.
Trichomoniasis
A form of vaginitis caused by the one-celled protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis.
Ectoparasites
Parasitic organisms that live on the outer skin surfaces.
Pubic lice
Lice that primarily infest the pubic hair and are transmitted by sexual contact.
Scabies
An ectoparasitic infestation of tiny mites.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
The immune-system-destroying virus that causes AIDS.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome AIDS)
A catastrophic illness in which a virus (HIV) invades and destroys the ability of the immune system to fight disease.
Opportunistic infections
Infections that take hold because of the reduced effectiveness of the immune system in a person with HIV.
Viral load
The amount of HIV present in an infected person’s blood.
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)
A strategy for treating people living with HIV with a combination of antiretroviral drugs.
Microbicide
A topical gel or cream product that women can use vaginally to prevent or minimize the risk of being infected with HIV or other STIs.
HIV/STI stigma
Shame attached to HIV and other STIs that is expressed through negative social reactions toward people who are infected.
