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Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)

Infectious diseases that are primarily spread through sexual contact.

Chlamydia trachomatis

The bacterium that causes chlamydia, the most common STI in the UK.

Gonorrhoea

Infectious disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, primarily affecting the urogenital tract.

Treponema pallidum

The bacterium that causes syphilis.

Primary syphilis

Characterized by a single ulcer (chancre) that resolves spontaneously.

Ceftriaxone

A beta-lactam antibiotic used to treat uncomplicated gonorrhoea.

Macrolides

A class of antibiotics including erythromycin and azithromycin, used as alternatives for treating chlamydia in pregnancy.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

The virus responsible for causing genital warts and certain cancers.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases spread and can be controlled within populations.

National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP)

A program aimed at early detection and prevention of chlamydia in women under 25.

Virulence factors

Molecular components that enable a pathogen to cause disease.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

The bacterium that causes gonorrhoea.

Tertiary syphilis

The late stage of syphilis characterized by severe lesions and possible cardiac and neurological conditions.

Antivirals

Medications used to treat viral infections, including Tecovirimat for Mpox.

Asymptomatic

A condition where an individual shows no noticeable symptoms of a disease.

Immunocompromised

Having a weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

Vertical transmission

Transmission of an infection from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Diagnosis

The identification of a disease based on its signs and symptoms.

Pharmacist's role in STI management

Includes promotion of safe sex, contraception options, and referral for STI testing.

GM clinic

GUM (Genitourinary Medicine) clinic specializing in sexual health and STI management.

Benzathine benzylpenicillin

A first-line treatment for syphilis administered as an intramuscular injection.

Ciprofloxacin

A fluoroquinolone antibiotic used as a treatment option for gonorrhoea.