Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

HIV/AIDS

• AIDS is caused by a group of viruses called HIV

• These viruses attack WBCs (helper T cells)

• Infected individuals are vulnerable to infection

• Transmission is blood to blood

• Children can become infected during birth or breast feeding

Hepatitis

• an inflammation of liver tissue. A group of diseases caused by viral infections

  • Hep. A, B, C, D or E

• Transmitted through drinking water infected with fecal matter and thought oral or sexual contact, vaccine is available

• Hepatitis virus can cross placenta and infect the fetus

Genital Herpes

• Caused by one of who viruses: herpes simplex 1 or herpes simplex 2

• Type 1 causes infections of the mouth or genitals

• Type 2 is acquired through genital contact

• Formation of rupturing blisters flu symptoms and fatigue

• Can cause blindness, neurological disorders or death

• There is a risk that infected mother during natural childbirth can infect her child

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

• a group of viruses responsible for genital warts

• Transmitted through skin to skin contact

• Carriers may not know they have the virus

• It can cause tumors and cervical cancer in women.

• There is a vaccine but no cure

Vaccinations

• Injections that contain the antigen of a virus or bacteria

• Triggers an immune response

• The immune system produces antibodies which can be produced and attack the actual virus or bacteria

Chlamydia

• infection caused by a bacterium

• Causes a burning discharge from the urinary tract

• Scar tissue can eventually block the oviducts causing infertility and infection

• An infected mother can infect her child’s eyes and respiratory tract during birth

• Treatable with antibiotics

Gonorrhea

• An infection caused by a bacterium

• Can cause an infection of urethra, cervix, rectum and throat

• May spread to joints, heart and brain

• An infected mother can infect her child’s eyes during childbirth

• Treatable with antibiotics

Syphilis

• infection caused by a bacterium

• Three stage disease that progresses from ulcers to a rash, to an infection of cardiovascular and nervous system

• Infected individuals can become mentally ill, blind, lame or , develop heart conditions

• Embryos can be stillborn

• Treatable with antibiotics