Describe the main sexually transmitted pathogens from a microbiology point of view (pathogen classification, virulence, transmission mechanisms and diagnosis method) Flashcards
What is this?
The treponemal antibody absorption test for syphilis
What are obligate intracellular bacterium?
microparasites that are capable of growing and reproducing inside the cells of a host
How is virulence defined in HIV?
as the rate of progression to AIDS in untreated infections
How is Neisseria gonnorrhoeae sexually transmitted?
the pathogen induces a discharge that allows spread through close sexual contact
Which virulence factor assists the binding of Neisseria gonnorrhoeae to epithelial cells?
Opa proteins
How do LOS (lipooligosaccharide) contribute to the virulence of Neisseria gonnorrhoeae?
endotoxin activity
How does T. pallidum spread vertically?
via transplacental infection of the fetus
What is the virulence of chlamydia trachimatis
the fact that it is an obligate intracellular bacterium
How do pilus contribute to the ability of Neisseria gonnorrhoeae to cause an STD?
they contain constant and hypervariable regions that contribute to antigenic diversity in gonocci
What are 4 features of non-specific syphilis tests?
- they show up as positive within 4-6 weeks of infection
- they decline in positivity in 3º syphilis or after effective antibiotic treatment of 1º/2º syphilis
- they are useful for screening
- they may give biological false positives
What do ELISA tests for syphilis detect?
IgM and IgG
What pathogen causes gonorrhoea?
Neisseria gonnorrhoeae
Which pathogen causes chlamydia?
chlamydia trachimatis
How is HIV classified?
the human immunodeficiency virus is a retrovirus
How does T. Pallidum enter the body?
Through minute abrasions on the skin or mucous membranes
What do laboratory tests for HIV infection involve?
- serological analysis
- molecular analysis
What pathogen causes syphilis?
Treponema pallium
What are the 3 most common mucosal surfaces that provide a transmission route for HIV?
- cervicovaginal
- penile
- rectal
Which sexually transmitted disease is linked with cervical cancer?
the human papillomavirus
How does IgA protease contribute to the virulence of Neisseria gonnorrhoeae?
core contains an enzyme that is released by the cell to destroy IgA1
Which virulence factor aids attachment of Neisseria gonnorrhoeae to human mucosal epithelium?
Pilus
Which virulence factor allows Neisseria gonnorrhoeae to resist phagocytosis?
capsule
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
- pain when peeing
- bleeding after sex and bleeding between periods
- pain and swelling in the testicles