Sexually Transmitted Infections Flashcards
What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
STIs are infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
What are the common bacterial STIs?
Common bacterial STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis.
What are the common viral STIs?
Common viral STIs include herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), HIV, and hepatitis B.
What are some common symptoms of STIs?
Symptoms include abnormal genital discharge, ulcers, pain during urination, itching, and genital sores.
What are the asymptomatic presentations of STIs?
Many STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, may present without any symptoms, especially in the early stages.
What is chlamydia, and how is it caused?
Chlamydia is a bacterial STI caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
What are the typical symptoms of chlamydia?
Symptoms include urethral or vaginal discharge, dysuria, and pelvic pain.
How is chlamydia diagnosed?
It is diagnosed via nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) on urine or swab samples.
What is the treatment for chlamydia?
The recommended treatment is a course of antibiotics, such as doxycycline or azithromycin.
What are the complications of untreated chlamydia?
Complications include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
What is gonorrhoea, and what causes it?
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
Symptoms include purulent discharge, dysuria, and pelvic or testicular pain.
How is gonorrhoea diagnosed?
It is diagnosed using NAATs or culture tests on genital or throat swabs.
What is the treatment for gonorrhoea?
Treatment typically includes intramuscular ceftriaxone and oral azithromycin.
What is syphilis, and how is it caused?
Syphilis is a bacterial STI caused by Treponema pallidum.
What are the stages of syphilis?
Stages include primary (chancre formation), secondary (systemic symptoms), latent, and tertiary (serious complications).
How is syphilis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is through serological tests, such as treponemal-specific antibody tests or dark-field microscopy.
What is the treatment for syphilis?
Penicillin is the first-line treatment, with doxycycline as an alternative for those allergic to penicillin.
What are genital herpes, and what causes them?
Genital herpes are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), typically HSV-2 but sometimes HSV-1.
What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
Symptoms include painful genital ulcers, itching, and systemic flu-like symptoms during outbreaks.
How is genital herpes diagnosed?
It is diagnosed via clinical examination and confirmed with PCR testing or viral culture.
What is the management of genital herpes?
Management includes antiviral medications like aciclovir or valaciclovir, pain relief, and supportive care.
What are human papillomavirus (HPV) infections?
HPV is a viral STI that can cause genital warts and is associated with certain cancers, such as cervical and anal cancer.
How can HPV be prevented?
HPV vaccination is effective in preventing infection with high-risk and wart-causing strains.
What are the general measures for STI prevention?
Measures include safe sex practices (e.g., condom use), regular screening, and vaccination for HPV and hepatitis B.
What is the global prevalence of STIs?
STIs are highly prevalent worldwide, with millions of new cases annually, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
What are the risk factors for acquiring STIs?
Risk factors include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, young age, and co-existing infections.
Why are STIs more common in young adults?
Young adults may engage in higher-risk sexual behaviours, have less access to healthcare, and lack awareness of STI prevention.
What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
PID is a complication of untreated STIs, often caused by chlamydia or gonorrhoea, leading to infection of the female reproductive organs.
What are the symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease?
Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pain during intercourse or urination.
How is pelvic inflammatory disease treated?
Treatment involves broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover likely pathogens.
What is trichomoniasis, and what causes it?
Trichomoniasis is a protozoal STI caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.
What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
Symptoms include frothy vaginal discharge, dysuria, and genital itching or irritation.
How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?
It is diagnosed by microscopy or point-of-care antigen testing.
What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?
Treatment involves oral metronidazole or tinidazole.
What is HIV, and how is it transmitted?
HIV is a viral infection transmitted through blood, sexual fluids, or perinatal routes, affecting the immune system.
What are the symptoms of acute HIV infection?
Symptoms include fever, rash, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy during the seroconversion phase.
How is HIV diagnosed?
HIV is diagnosed using serological tests, such as antibody/antigen combination assays or PCR for viral load.
What is the management for HIV?
Management includes antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress viral replication and maintain immune function.
What are genital warts, and what causes them?
Genital warts are benign growths caused by low-risk HPV types, such as HPV-6 and HPV-11.
How are genital warts managed?
Management includes topical treatments (e.g., podophyllotoxin), cryotherapy, or surgical removal.
What is hepatitis B, and how is it transmitted?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection transmitted via blood, sexual contact, or perinatal exposure, affecting the liver.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B infection?
Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and nausea, though many cases are asymptomatic.
How is hepatitis B diagnosed?
It is diagnosed through serological tests, including HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs markers.
What is the prevention for hepatitis B?
Prevention includes vaccination, safe sex practices, and avoiding sharing needles.
What is lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), and what causes it?
LGV is a bacterial STI caused by specific strains of Chlamydia trachomatis, affecting lymphatic tissues.
What are the symptoms of lymphogranuloma venereum?
Symptoms include genital ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, and systemic flu-like symptoms.
How is lymphogranuloma venereum diagnosed?
Diagnosis is via NAAT testing with specific typing for LGV strains.
What is the treatment for lymphogranuloma venereum?
Treatment involves a prolonged course of doxycycline.
What are the differential diagnoses for genital ulcers?
Differential diagnoses include herpes simplex virus, syphilis, chancroid, and Behçet’s disease.
Why is partner notification important in STI management?
Partner notification helps identify and treat sexual contacts to prevent reinfection and further spread of STIs.
What are the key principles of STI management?
Principles include accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, partner notification, and education on prevention strategies.
