STI Infections of the Genital Track Flashcards
What is a commensal microorganism?
A microorganism that derives food or other benefits from another organism without hurting or helping it
What is a pathogen?
A microorganism that can cause disease
What is an infection?
The invasion of all or part of the body by a microorganism
What is a sub-clinical infection?
Non symptomatic
What is a clinical infection?
Symptomatic
What is a sexually transmissable organ?
A virus, bacteria, protozoan, insect or arthropod which can be spread by sexual contact
What is a sexually transmitted infection?
An infection by a pathogen which is sexually transmissible and which is unlikely to be transmitted by non-sexual means
What is a sexually transmitted disease?
A disorder of structure or function caused by a sexually transmitted pathogen
STIs requiring genital contact for transmission
Pubic lice
Scabies
Warts
Herpes
Why are STIs important?
Cause morbidity and mortality
Unpleasant symptoms
Psychological distress
Systemic symptoms and adverse outcomes
Fever Rash Lymphadenopathy Malaise Infertility Cancer Adverse pregnancy outcomes
How are STIs a drain on resources?
Managing infertility due to chlamydia: cost of IVF
Cost of HIV medication/ management of HIV related health conditions
Taking time off work to get your warts frozen
Why is there an increased incidence of STIs?
Increased numbers of partners/person Increased concurrent partners More people having anal sex More men reporting sex with men More testing (greater awareness)
Management of someone with symptoms suggesting an STI
A good history
Health promotion
(HIV testing)
(Partner notification)
How can partners be notified?
“Client referral” - patient tells contact
“Provider referral” - NHS tells contact
