Sexually Transmitted Diseases Flashcards
What are sexually transmitted diseases? Examples? What are the different ways in which they can be spread?
Sexually transmitted diseases can be viral and recurring (genital herpes, warts, AIDS) or bacterial and eliminated (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid). They can also be protozoa, fungi, and ectoparasites. They can be spread via genitalia, mouth, rectum, skin, and placenta.
What is a protozoa?
A one-celled organism that live in water or as parasites.
What is a ectoparasites?
A parasite, such as a flea, that lives on the outside of its host.
What high-risk circumstances will increase your likelyhood of contracting an STD?
Multiple sexual partners. Unsafe/high risk sexual practices. Drug abuse. Medically underserved. Prior STDs. Non compliant STD Tx.
What low-risk circumstances will help keep an individual STD free?
Abstinence. Monogamy.
What are Genital Herpes?
A recurrent, systemic viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Genital herpes is caused by type II HSV. It is a neurotopic microbe and is spread via contact with lesions or secretions.
What are the manifestations of genital herpes?
Burning at site. Painful vesicles. Fever. Muscle Ache. Can be subclinical.
What is a nerotopic microbe?
It is a microb that is capable of infecting nerve cells, and resides in neurons. This is a problem because they become latent, an impossible to fully eradicate.
What is the incubation period and how quickly does herpes manifestat post-contact?
2-10 day incubation, Manifests 3-7 days post contact.
How is genital herpes treated?
There is no cure. Recurrence is a major problem. Symptomatic treatment. Antivirals in an attempt to eradicate but some will be latent.
What are Genital Warts? What causes them?
Genital warts are benign multiple growths that occur on the genitals or anorectal area. They are viral, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), particularily strains 6 and 11.
What is the incubation period of genital warts?
1 - 2 months.
Is there a cure for genital warts?
No.
What is treatment for genital warts?
Remove warts. Topical drugs. Surgery. Cyrotherapy. Monitor for CA (caused by HPV stains 16 and 18). Typically, the warts are treated and not the actual virus.
What types of perscription drugs will one take for genital warts?
Antimytotic, which inhibits mitosis, or cell division. Cytotoxic, which prevents replication or growth of cells.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a serious bacterial STD caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It is spread via contact with lesions. It can also cross the placenta. It occurs over three stages.
What is the incubation time of syphilis?
10 - 90 days
What are compications of syphilis?
Blindness, paralysis. Heart disease, and Death.
What are the characteristics of primary stage syphilis?
Painless chancre at exposure sites. Heals in 2 - 3 weeks. Regional lymphadenopathy.
What are the characteristics of secondary stage syphilis?
Second stage occurs 6 - 8 weeks post infection and lasts for up to 6 months. Maculopapular rash on palms and soles. Patches on mucous membranes. Flat papules. Generalized lymphadenopathy. Fever. Malaise. The infection then enters a laten period.