Chapter 26: Bacterial and Viral STDs (Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, HPV)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Chapter 26 on bacterial and viral STDs (gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HPV).

Gonorrhea

A bacterial sexually transmitted disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae; gram-negative cocci; often asymptomatic; symptoms may include discharge and painful urination; can be passed to infants during vaginal delivery; rising antibiotic resistance; historically treated with penicillin.

Asymptomatic infection

An infection that shows no noticeable symptoms but can still be transmitted to others.

Incubation period (gonorrhea)

Time from exposure to onset of symptoms; can be up to about 21 days in women.

Chancre (primary syphilis)

A painless ulcer at the site of inoculation appearing after 10–90 days and lasting 3–6 weeks; may resolve without treatment.

Primary syphilis

The initial stage featuring a chancre at the infection site; incubation 10–90 days; generally resolves if untreated but indicates infection.

Syphilis secondary stage rash

Widespread rash appearing about three weeks after the chancre resolves; commonly involves the palms and soles and is not itchy; may resolve without treatment.

Secondary syphilis rash (palms/soles)

Rash characteristic of the secondary stage, often on the palms and soles; non-itchy and may disappear without treatment.

Tertiary syphilis

Late-stage syphilis with systemic involvement that can damage internal organs; can be fatal years after infection if untreated; harder to treat in later stages.

Penicillin (syphilis treatment)

Primary antibiotic therapy for syphilis; most effective in early stages; resistance in other bacteria has emerged; less effective once the disease is systemic.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Lifelong viral infection causing genital herpes; can have recurrent outbreaks of genital lesions; can be transmitted without symptoms; neonatal risk during vaginal birth.

Acyclovir

Antiviral medication used to treat herpes outbreaks and reduce symptoms; not curative.

HPV (genital human papillomavirus)

A DNA virus with many strains; some cause genital warts (types 6 and 11), others are high-risk for cervical cancer (types 16 and 18); many infections are asymptomatic.

HPV vaccine

Vaccine protecting against HPV strains 16 and 18 (high risk for cervical cancer), with vaccination commonly recommended for females aged roughly 13–26; debate exists about male vaccination; reduces cervical cancer and, in some strains, genital warts.

Genital warts

Lesions caused by HPV, most often from types 6 and 11; can be asymptomatic or symptomatic; highly transmissible; treated with topical or other therapies.

Cervical cancer (HPV related)

Cervical cancer risk increased by infection with high-risk HPV strains (notably 16 and 18); vaccination reduces risk.

Penile cancer (HPV related)

Cancer of the penis associated with HPV infection in men; vaccine vaccination considerations discuss male protection.

Neonatal herpes risk

Severe HSV infection in newborns transmitted during vaginal birth; can affect eyes and CNS and be fatal; mitigated by C-section or maternal antiviral suppression.