Genital tract infections Flashcards
What is the predominant bacteria in a reproductive woman’s vagina’s flora?
Lactobacilli
What is the pH in a reproductive woman’s vagina? What about post-menopause?
<4.5 at reproductive age
6.5-7.5 when there is a lack of oestrogen
What is the cause of bacterial vaginosis?
Loss of lactobacilli and an increase of anaerobic and highly specific fastidious BV-associated bacteria in the vagina. These produce enzymes which break down vaginal peptides into malodorous amine.
What are the symptoms and signs of bacterial vaginitis?
White/grey discharge Fishy odour Raised pH Presence of 'clue cells' A positive 'whiff' test - fishy odour when 10% potassium hydroxide is added to the secretions
What is the treatment of bacterial vaginitis?
Metronidazole or clindamycin cream
What are the risk factors of Candidiasis (thrush)?
Pregnancy, diabetes, immunosuppression and antibiotic use
What are the symptoms of candidiasis?
Cottage cheese discharge
vulval irritation and itching
Superficial dyspareunia and dysuria can occur
Vagina/vulva may be inflamed and red
What is the treatment for candidiasis?
Topical imidzoles (clotrimazole pessary) or oral fluconazole
What is the main cause of toxic shock syndrome?
Retention of a tampon, which grows a toxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus.
What are the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome?
High fever, hypotension and multi-systemic failure
What causes chlamydia?
Chlamydia trachomatis (bacteria)
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
70% don't have symptoms. The most common symptoms are: 1. altered vaginal discharge 2. intermenstrual bleeding 3. post-coital bleeding 4. low abdominal pain 5. dyspareunia
What is a complication of chlamydia?
Pelvic infection - if this affects the tubules then it can cause subfertility and/or chronic pelvic pain.
It can also precipitate sexually acquired reactive arthritis (conjunctivitis, arthritis, urethritis).
What is the treatment for chlamydia?
Azithromycin or doxycycline
What type of bacterium causes gonorrhoea?
Nisseria gonorrhoea is a gram-negative diplococcus.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
Vaginal discharge, urethritis, bartholinitis, cervicitis and pelvic infection can occur.
What are some of the complications of a gonorrhoea infection?
Bacteremia, mono-articular or septic arthritis.
What is the treatment for gonorrhoea?
Check for antibiotic sensitivities. IM ceftriaxone is usually required in combination.
What causes genital warts?
HPV virus - mostly 6 and 11.