Session 4 - Infections of the Genital Tract Flashcards
What is the difference between an STI and an STD?
STI – Includes both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. Sexual activity is the principle mode of transmission
STD – Symptomatic cases only
What groups are particularly at risk of STIs?
Young people
Certain ethnic groups
Low socio-economic status groups
Specific aspects of sexual behaviour:
- Age at first sexual intercourse
- Number of partners
- Sexual orientation
- Unsafe sexual activity
How are asymptomatic cases of STIs diagnosed?
contact tracing or random screening
Which HPV types are oncogenic? What type of cancer are they associated with?
16 and 18.
Associated with cervical and anogenital cancer
How do you treat HPV?
- None (spontaneous resolution >70% after 1 yr)
- Topical podophyllin, cryotherapy, intralesional interferon, surgery
How would you screen for HPV?
cervical swab
colposcopy and acetowhite test
Describe the features of chlamydia trachomatis
Obligate intracellular bacterium
How is chlamydia diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis via endocervical and urethral swabs,
Treat with doxycycline
Where does the herpes simplex virus hide in patients?
dorsal root ganglia
Which type of herpes simplex causes genital herpes and cold sores?
cold sores - HSV1
Genital herpes - HSV2
What are the symptoms of primary genital herpes?
extensive painful genital ulceration, dysuria, inguinal lymphadenopathy, fever
How do you diagnose and treat HSV?
Diagnosis – PCR of vesicle fluid or ulcer base
Treatment – acyclovir
How do you diagnose and treat neisseria gonorrhoeae?
Diagnosis – Swab from urethra, cervic, or urine
Treatment – ceftriaxone
What is the agent of syphilis?
Treponema pallidum
What are the stages of syphilis? What occurs in each stage?
- Primary stage - Indurated, painless ulcer (chancre)
- Secondary stage – 6 to 8 weeks later – fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, mucosal lesions
- Latent – symptom free years
- Tertiary – neurosyphilis, cardiovascular syphilis, gummas
