STI's

Question 1

Reportable STI’s + why are we interested in them?

Answer 1

1. Chlamydia - bacterial + most prevalent reportable in canada
2. Gonorrhoea - bacterial
3. Syphilis - bacterial
4. Hep B - virus
5. HIV - virus

We are interested in these because they lead to a greater public health issue
If left untreated they can have a very significant effect on one’s health

Question 2

Non-Reportable STI’s

Answer 2

1. HPV - virus
2. HSV-1 (herpes) - virus
3. HSV-2 (genital herpes) - virus
4. yeast infections - fungal
5. bacterial vaginosis - bacterial
6. trichomoniasis - parasite

Question 3

PEP vs. PrEP

Answer 3

PEP: post-exposure
- they work
- can use HIV meds up to 72 hours after exposure
- like a morning-after pill but used over a month

PrEP: pre-exposure
- applies to HIV
- Intervention before exposure
- not for the general population, only for those more susceptible to getting the infection
- ex: vaccines

Question 4

Groups affected the most by STI’s

Answer 4

• gay men, trans women,
• people in sex work
• people who have many sexual partners or have a sexual partner with an infection
• injection drug users
• ACB
• Indigenous

Question 5

Why are infections increasing?

Answer 5

• historical trends
• easy transmission
• safe sex only for HIV
• stigma + shame

Question 6

Testing process for chlamydia and gonorrhoea

Answer 6

Blood tests or urine test
men: doing these tests may miss most f where the infection would be found (ex: rectum or throat)
- throat + rectum swabs would be good if suspected
women: urine test is enough - throat + rectum if suspected

Question 7

Herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2

Answer 7

cold soars on either face or genitals
HSV-1 is mainly on the face
- people generally get it in childhood
- Asymptomatic shedding - happens about 7 days of the year

HSV-2 is mainly on the genitals

Question 8

Syphilis

Answer 8

bacterial infection
- untreated can damage the nervous system + cause death
- 60% transmission rate, VERY easy

Question 9

Symptoms

Answer 9

The most common symptom = no symptoms at all
- transient: come and go
- mild
- reasons to explain them away
Main ones: discharge, pain, skin lesions, systemic (ex: fever, chills)

Question 10

HIV

Answer 10

• rates continue to rise
• takes 8-10 years for someone to develop AIDS
• 10-12% of people in Ontario get AIDS each year
• 11% of people continue to be undiagnosed
• GBMSM+ ACB+ drug users + indigenous are at high risk
  Testing: blood tests
• antigens and antibodies must be produced for an accurate reading
  Psychological issues: stigma, coming out, depression, hard to find sexual partners