Microbiology GU Tract Flashcards
all of the organisms are passed human-human, except one which has the potential to be sourced from an object - which ones?
trichomonas vaginalis - eg towels
what 3 things influence the susceptibility to infection>
- Concentration and phenotype of organism in genital tract
- Susceptibility of the sexual partner
- Resistance of the host – acquired, hereditary or innate
co infections are common with STIs - which 2 organisms commonly co infect
chlamydia and gonorrhoea
what is the standard group of organsisms screened for at STI clinic
chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C
what is the predominate clonozing bacteria in the healthy vagina
Lactobacilllus
how does Lactobacillus exert its anti bacterial action in the vagina
glycogen secreted from the stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina is metabolized to produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide which help tp suppress bacterial growth
HO has anti microbial properties
outline the type of epithelium found in the uterus, cervix and vagina
does candida colonisation always cause symtpoms
no, 30% of females are colonised with no symptoms
what things can predispose to candida infection
- recent ABx therapy
- high oestrogen levels - pregnancy, contraceptives
- poorly controlled diabetes
- IC
how does thrush rpesent
very itchy white vaginal discharge
what is it called when candida infects the head of the penis
candida balanitis
which group of patients is candida balnitis typically seen in
diabetics, other immunosuppressed too
how is thrush diagnosed
the diagnosis is clinical
if you want to do a culture can take a high vaginal swab
which type of candida causes most cases of thrush
candida albicans
management of thrush
topical clotrimazole (pessary/cream) or oral fluconazole
management of thrush in pregnancy
topical clotrimazole, oral fluconzole CI as it is associated with congenital abnormalities
do cases of thrush need partner notification
NO
general advice for avoiding thrush
avoid tight clothing and soap etc
BV
replacement of the normal vaginal flora with lots of anaerobes, aprticularly Gardnelle vaginalis
is BV sexually transmitted?
no, but it is more common in the sexually active
how does BV present
a homogenous, creamy discharge that may contain bubbles, and has a strong odour (‘fishy’)
BV whiff test
10% potassium hydroxide + BV discharge = amine like fishy odour
= positive whiff test
what is seen on microscopy of BV
vaginal epithelial cells with coccobacili (anaerobes) stuck to them = clue cells
leucocytes (WBCs) are not normally seen on microscopy of BV, if they are what does this suggest
presence of intercurrnet infection
BV and pregnancy
it is assocated with premature births and adverse outcomes, routine screening not offered - no benefit shown
management of BV - drug and course length
metronidazole for 7 days
relapse rate of BV high?
30%
what is the most common STI in the UK
chlamydia
what abnormal features does the chlamydia bacteria have
- biphasic life cycle so only reproduces inside the host cell
- has no peptidoglycan in the cell wall so doesnt stain with Gram stain = PCR
outline what the 3 serological groupings of chlamydia are respondible for: A-C, D-K L1-L3
- A-C = trachoma eye infection
- D-K = genital infection
- L1-3 = lymphogranuloma verenum
what is lymphogranuloma vereneum
an infection of the lymphatic system that can manifest primarily as inflammation and ulcers in genitals
is it only really seen in MSM with prococolitis - rectal pain, discharge and bleeding
clinical features of chlamydia
asymptomatic in many
inflammation, discharge, pain, dysuria
management of chlamydia
doxycycline 100mg bd for 7 days
why have the recent guidelines changed from azithromycin to doxycycline for chlamydia
to reduce the risk of resistnace to treatment - rates were increasing
management of LV (chlamydia)
doxycycline for 3 weeks
what is the major complication of chlamydia
pelvic inflammatory disease