Ch. 13: Sexually Transmitted Infections and Prevention

lice

type of insect that live on the body of mammals, latches onto the body hair of the host, feeds on the host’s blood

false positive

test indicates disease or infection that is not actually present

false negative

test indicates no disease or infection that is actually present

parasites

one species evolves to depend on another in a manner where its host species suffers as a result

macroparasites

fairly large, multi-cellular animals, includes some insects and arthropods

microparasites

microscopic, generally single-celled

protozoa

single-celled organisms that in many ways behave like animals

bacteria

single-celled organisms which have structural differences from protozoa, they have a simpler internal cellular structure

trichomoniasis

a protozoan which has evolved specifically to live in the vagina

nongonococcal urethritis (NGU)

type of inflammation of the urethra which is caused by a bacterium other than gonorrhea

urinary tract infections

involve many different types of bacteria which can enter the urethra, leading to an infection of the urethra

chancroid

a type of ulcer on the genitalia caused by the bacterium haemophilus ducreyi bacillus

syphilis

potentially lethal bacterially-caused STI, which is readily treated and has become rare, but still exists. Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum

gonorrhea

caused by bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae

chlamydia

caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis

methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

a strain of common bacteria that has acquired resistance to the antibiotic methicillin

bacterial vaginosis

imbalance in the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina

candidiasis

refers to an imbalance in naturally occurring microorganisms of several species of this

viruses

smallest of infectious agents, are encapsulated bits of genetic code that infect the cells of organisms

herd immunity

in order for a vaccine to effectively protect everyone, everyone has to be vaccinated. As few carriers get infected, a disease can be completely eliminated

HSV-1 (oral herpes)

part of a common strain of a family of viruses that infect humans, can be transmitted by sexual contact, typically causes cold sores on the lips or in the mouth

HSV-2 (genital herpes)

primarily affects the genitalia, part of a common strain of a family of viruses that infect humans, can be transmitted by sexual contact

human papilloma virus (HPV)

family of viruses with over 100 different strains, transmitted through non-sexual contact and cause warts, only a small percentage of people develop warts or HPV-induced cancers

hepatitis

viruses that damage the liver

highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)

combination treatments of multiple drugs that can slow or halt the progression of HIV

bug chasers

gay males who deliberately seek HIV infection

barebacking

eroticization of unprotected penile-anal intercourse s a sexual fetish

human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

a retrovirus transmitted primarily through sexual contact or blood contact that attacks the body’s immune system

acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

disease that is the result of an HIV infection, said to occur once HIV has progressed to the stage where the body’s helper T-4 cell count is at 200 cells per microliter (1/3 to 1/6 of the normal levels). Untreated secondary or opportunistic infections as a result of it lead to illness and death

safer sex

the idea of harm reduction, for those who engage in sexual activities, that involves engaging in sexual activities in a manner that reduces the risk of STIs

epididymitis

a more serious infection, inflammation of the tube that connects the vas deferens and the testicles

post-exposure prophylaxis

developed for healthcare providers who were accidentally exposed to potential HIV infection from a needle stick or cut while helping an HIV+ patient or being exposed to the patient’s blood