Genital Lesions Flashcards
Which types of herpesvirus cause genital herpes infections?
HSV-1 and HSV-2
Classically this was HSV-2 only as HSV-1 is associated with the mouth, although due to the increase in practise of oral sex there is now much more overlap
How might a patient with genital herpes present?
Multiple, painful vesicles/ulcers on genitalia
Short history
May be flu-like illness and systemic symptoms if initial episode
Dysuria
Vaginal discharge
What is the treatment for herpes?
Oral antivirals i.e. aciclovir
True / False: A woman with a pre-existing genital herpes infection cannot give birth vaginally
False - If the infection is pre-existing, the mother will make IgG antibodies which are passed via the placenta to the baby and so risk of infection is minimal
What is the causative agent of lymphogranuloma venereum ?
Chlamydia tracomatis
What is the treatment for LGV?
Doxycycline or erythromycin
Typically, how long after infection does primary LGV appear?
3-30 days
What is the incubation period for chancroid?
3-10 days
What is the causative agent of chancroid?
Haemophilus ducreyi
What are the characteristic clinical features of chancroid?
Single or multiple ano-genital ulcers which are painful, have a purulent base and may bleed on contact
Inguinal lymphadenopathy, usually unilateral
Which virus causes genital warts?
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
Which subtypes of HPV typically cause genital warts?
HPV-6 and HPV-11
What is the mode of transmission of genital warts?
Direct skin to skin contact
True / False - Genital warts can be entirely prevented by using a condom during sexual intercourse
False - Genital warts are spread by direct skin to skin contact and condoms to not fully cover the genital area so transmission is still possible. Similarly, genital warts can be spread in the absence of penetrative sex.
Which subtypes of HPV typically cause cervical cancer?
HPV 16 and 18
What effect does syphilis infection have on the rate of transmission of HIV?
Syphilis increase HIV transmission. A person with syphilis and HIV is 4-5x more likely to mass on HIV to a partner than if they didn’t have syphilis.
List the types of syphilis serology available for testing
Treponemal tests: EIA and TPPA
Non-treponemal tests: RPR (Rapid plasma regain)
Which serological tests will stay positive forever once a patient has been infected with syphilis, even if the infection is treated?
The treponema tests: EIA and TPPA
Which test is used as a screening test in syphilis?
EIA
What is the organism involved in a syphilis infection?
Treponema pallidum
True / False: Condoms are entirely effective at reducing syphilis infection
False - They are only partially effective as syphilis can be transmitted via mucosal surfaces which condoms don’t fully cover
How does primary syphilis present?
Ulcers (painless) at the site of exposure e.g. mouth, anus, vagina
Local lymphadenopathy
How soon after exposure to syphilis do primary syphilis ulcers present?
About 2-3 weeks
True / False: Ulcers typical of genital herpes do not usually cause pain
False - Lesions in HSV are painFUL, while ulcers seen in syphilis are usually painless
Describe the features of secondary syphilis
Systemic features: Rash - Usually a maculopapular rash affecting palms / soles, not usually itchy Fever Generalised lymphadenopathy Vasculitis affects 5%