Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Lecture Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, stages, and treatments of major sexually transmitted infections.

STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)

An infection that can be transmitted from one person to another during intimate or sexual contact.

NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test)

A diagnostic test that identifies an organism's genetic material, commonly used to detect Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

Chlamydia

A bacterial STI that is often silent or asymptomatic but can ascend the reproductive tract to cause inflammation, scarring, infertility, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Azithromycin

An antibiotic prescribed for chlamydial infection whose absorption can be impaired by antacids, requiring a separation of at least $2$ hours.

Gonorrhea

A bacterial STI that causes purulent discharge and painful urination, which can ascend or disseminate systemically to involve the joints, skin, heart, and meninges.

Chancre

A classic, painless sore or ulcer that serves as the hallmark primary clinical presentation of syphilis.

Primary Syphilis

The initial stage of syphilis infection characterized by the appearance of a painless chancre on the genitalia, rectum, or mouth.

Secondary Syphilis

The second stage of syphilis characterized classically by a rash on the palms and soles, accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, hair loss, and body aches.

Latent Syphilis

A quiet period in syphilis infection where the patient has no active symptoms, but the bacterial infection remains in the body.

Tertiary Syphilis

The late, potentially life-threatening stage of untreated syphilis that causes severe damage to the brain/nervous system, heart/aorta, and other vital organs.

RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin)

A serologic blood test used as a screening tool to diagnose syphilis.

Penicillin G

The antibiotic medication utilized to treat syphilis, requiring vigilant patient monitoring for allergic or anaphylactic reactions.

HSV-1

A herpes virus strain commonly associated with oral cold sores or fever blisters, transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin or mucosal contact.

Acyclovir

An antiviral drug used to treat and manage active herpes outbreaks and reduce symptoms without eradicating the latent virus.

Autoinoculation

The transfer and spread of the herpes virus to a different site on the patient's own body caused by touching an active lesion without washing hands.

Trichomoniasis

A parasitic STI that typically manifests in females as a frothy, yellowish, foul-smelling vaginal discharge accompanied by genital itching and dysuria.

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

The antimicrobial medication indicated to treat trichomoniasis as well as bacterial vaginosis.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

A widespread viral STI that can present as genital warts or lead to oncogenic complications, preventable via vaccination.

HPV Strains 6 and 11

Low-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus commonly associated with the development of cauliflower-like genital warts.

HPV Strains 16 and 18

High-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus strongly linked to malignancies, particularly cervical cancer.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

A condition caused by an overgrowth and imbalance of vaginal bacterial flora, presenting with thin grayish-white discharge and a distinct fishy odor.

Candida (Yeast)

A fungal overgrowth characterized by thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge and intense pruritus with little to no fishy odor.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

A viral infection that destroys T4 lymphocytes and CD4 cells, degrading immune function and predisposing the host to opportunistic infections and AIDS.

Opportunistic Infection

An infection that takes advantage of an impaired, suppressed immune system to produce severe and potentially fatal clinical disease.

Dental Dam

A physical barrier used during specific oral sexual activities to minimize mucosal contact and exposure to bodily fluids.

EPT (Expedited Partner Therapy)

The clinical practice of prescribing treatment for sex partners of patients diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea without requiring an in-person clinical exam of the partner first.