STIs Flashcards
What is a provirus?
a virus that inserts its DNA into the chromosomes of the host cell
it replicates every time the host cell divides
it can stay dormant for a long time before becoming active
How is chlamydia spread?
through contact with sexual fluid from an infected partner
an infected mother can pass chlamydia to her baby during birth
How is HIV spread?
- through unprotected sex with an infected partner
- sharing needles with an infected person
- transmission from mother to foetus
- infection from blood products
How can STIs be reduced/prevented?
- using condoms
- screening people, including pregnant women (free tests)
- screening blood transfusions
- supplying drug users with sterile needles
- treated infected people using antibiotics
What is an STI?
sexually transmitted infection
Describe the virus lifecycle
viruses infect host cells and multiply by the lytic/lysogenic cycle
- virus attaches to host cell
- virus enters cell
- DNA/RNA is injected into the cell
- the virus RNA/DNA copies itself
- new virus proteins are made using the organelles in the host cell
- DNA/RNA virus proteins are packaged together to make new viruses
- viruses are released from the cell, usually destroying the host cell
State what STIs are and how they spread.
a sexually transmitted infection
spread by contact with sexual fluids/not using a condom during sexual intercourse
During sexual intercourse a man places a condom over his penis.
Explain how this reduces his risk of being infected with an STI.
the condom is a barrier between the man’s skin and his partner’s sexual fluids, so pathogens that cause STIs cannot reach the man’s skin
A newborn baby’s eyes are infected with Chlamydia.
Explain how this could happen.
During birth, the baby’s eyes and lungs may become contaminated with vaginal fluid containing the bacteria.
