Sexually Transmitted Infections Flashcards
How long does it take to present with HIV antibodies after infection?
Up to 3 months
How does HIV infection affect CD4+ count?
Increased viral replication leads to a decrease in CD4+ count
How does HIV cause disease?
HIV infects CD4+ T cells (helper), macrophages and dendritic cells causing progressive immunosuppression
Define ‘seroconversion’
The time period during which a specific antibody develops and becomes detectable in the blood
How is HIV infection treated?
Antiretrovirals - to suppress replication, recovery CD4+, immune reconstitution and long-term reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality
What are the principles behind the antiretroviral therapy used in the treatment of HIV?
Act during the viral replication cycle to prevent production of new HIV particles
What does HAART stand for?
Highly active antiretroviral therapy
Name examples of targets used in the treatment of HIV
Fusion inhibitor, co-receptor antagonist, nucleoside RT inhibitor, non-nucleoside RT inhibitor, integrase inhibitor or protease inhibitor
What are the side-effects of HAART treatment?
Short-term: nausea and sleep distrubance
Long-term: lipodystrophy, renal dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy and lactic acidosis
What causes genital warts?
Human papillomavirus 6/11
How does genital warts present?
Small fleshy growth that appear around genital/anal area caused by HPV
How are genital warts treated?
Topic podophyllotoxon, imiquimod
What causes chlamydia?
Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria
How may chlamydia present in women?
Pain/burning urinating, vaginal discharge, pain in lower abdomen during or after sex, bleeding during or after sex
How may chlamydia present in men?
Pain/burning when urinating, white/cloudy/watery discharge from tip of penis and pain/tenderness in the testicles
What are the potential complications of chlamydia infection?
Reactive arthritis or infertility
What is the treatment for chlamydia?
Azithromycin and doxycycline
What causes gonorrhoea?
Neisseria gonorrhoea bacteria
How may gonorrhoea present in women?
Pain or a burning sensation when urinating, a vaginal discharge (often watery, yellow or green), pain in the lower abdomen during or after sex, and bleeding during or after sex or between periods, sometimes causing heavy periods.
How may gonorrhoea present in men?
pain or a burning sensation when urinating, a white, yellow or green discharge from the tip of the penis, and pain or tenderness in the testicles.
How is gonorrhoea treated?
Ceftriaxone
How does genital herpes present?
Small painful blisters/sores
What virus is responsible for genital herpes?
HSV-2
How is genital herpes treated?
Aciclovir etc.
What causes syphilis?
Treponema pallidum bacteria
What are the symptoms/signs of syphilis?
Early: highly infectious sores on genitals or around mouth
Later: rash, flu-like illness, patchy hair loss
Late: heart problems, paralysis and blindness
How is syphilis treated?
Penicillin and doxycycline
