Sexually Transmitted Infections Flashcards
Describe normal vaginal discharge.
Clear-white, odorless, and of high viscosity
What is the dominant bacteria present in the vagina?
Lactobacilli
What is the normal vagina pH range?
3.8-4.2 (acidic environment- to help inhibit overgrowth of bacteria)
What are the 3 most common types of vaginitis?
(1) bacterial vaginosis (2) vulvovaginal candidiasis (3) trichomoniasis
What is the major bacteria detected in bacterial vaginosis?
Gardnerella vaginalis
What is candidiasis vaginitis most commonly caused by?
C. albicans
What is the most prevalent nonviral STI?
Trichomoniasis vaginitis
What are the 2 aspects of bacterial vaginosis microbiology?
(1) overgrowth of bacteria species normally present in vagina w/anaerobic bacteria
(2) dec or loss of protective lactobacilli
What is produced by some lactobacilli that helps maintain a low pH to inhibit bacteria overgrowth?
H2O2
What is the only protozoan that affects the genital tract?
Trichomonas vaginalis
What are 6 risk factors for bacterial vaginosis?
(1) African American
(2) 2+ sex partners in previous 6 months/new sex partner
(3) douching-b/c gets rid of good bacteria
(4) lack of condom use
(5) absence of or dec in lactobacilli
(6) lack of H2O2 producing lactobacilli
What are 5 risk factors for candidiasis?
(1) diabetes
(2) immunosuppression
(3) abx use
(4) prolonged exposure to moist, damp underwear
(5) non-cotton underwear
What are 4 risk factors for trichomoniasis?
(1) multiple sex partners
(2) lower socioeconomic status
(3) hx of STDs
(4) lack of condom use
What is an important question to ask pts regarding pain and urination and why?
Does it hurt WHILE you pee or AFTER you pee? → open lesions= while peeing, dysuria from UTIs= after peeing
What are 4 si/sx of bacterial vaginosis?
(1) asymptomatic
(2) malodorous or fishy smell
(3) pruritic discharge
(4) thin, milky white sometimes grey discharge
What are 3 si/sx of candidiasis?
(1) pruritic discomfort
(2) dysuria
(3) thick cottage cheese like discharge
What are 3 si/sx of trichomoniasis?
(1) asymptomatic ~70%
(2) pruritic discharge sometimes green, yellow-green, and frothy
(3) strawberry cervix
What are 3 diagnostic aides for vaginitis?
(1) vaginal pH
(2) wet prep (NaCl)
(3) KOH test
What are pH findings consistent with candidiasis? With BV and trichomoniasis?
Candidiasis: <4.5
BV and trich: >4.5
What are findings on wet prep indicative of bacterial vaginosis?
Clue cells, no/few WBCs
What are findings on wet prep indicative of candidiasis?
Few-many WBCs
What are findings on wet prep indicative of trichomoniasis?
Motile flagellated protozoa, many WBCs
What are findings on KOH test indicative of candida?
Pseudohyphae and budding yeast
What do you do w/KOH test to help dx bacterial vaginosis?
Whiff test