BIO54 MIDTERM #2: Sexually Transmitted Disease

Routes of Transmission

- vaginal intercourse

- oral- genital contact

- hand- genital contact

- anal intercourse

Chlamydia

- bacterial infection

- no symptoms

- young people aged 15-24 have highest rates of infection

- if left untreated, it can affect: prostate gland and seminal vesicles in men, cervix and Fallopian tubes in women, arthritis-like symptoms, damage to the heart and blood vessels in both men and women

- easily treated with antibiotics

Gonorrhea

- more than 820,000 cases diagnosed each year

- cause by bacterial pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae

- primarily infects the linings of the urethra, genital tract, pharynx, and rectum

- most cases occur in individuals between the ages of 15-24

- treatment with antibiotics is available, if left untreated, it can term-cause sterility

Syphilis

- cause by a bacterial organism

- 83% of cases occur in men who have sex with men (MSM) and partners of MSM

- treatment w antibiotics is available

Herpes

- caused by a virus

- genital herpes is cause by herpes simplex virus (HSV)

- 2 types of HSV (HSV-1, HSV-2)

- there is no cure for it, although some drugs can ease symptoms

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

- numbers infections of the uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries

- results from an untreated STI

- symptoms: abdominal pain, fever, and unusual vaginal discharge

- if left untreated, it increase risk for infertility, chronic pelvic pains, and recurrence upper genital infections

Human Papilloma Virus and Genital Warts

- treatment is available only for the low risk forms of HPV

- most warts can be treated with topical medication of can be frozen with liquid nitrogen and then removed

- large warts may require surgical removal

- currently two HPV vaccines are licensed by the FDA and recommended by the CDC

Candidiasis (Moniliasis)

- yeastlike fungus Candida albicans is a normal inhabitant of the vaginal tract

- if the normal biochemical balance of the vagina is disturbed, these organisms multiply and cause the fungal disease

- symptoms: severe itching and burning and a white vaginal discharge

- antifungal drugs or suppositories cure this

Trichomoniasis

- protozoan

- symptoms in women: foamy, yellowish, unpleasant smelling discharge accompanied by burning sensation, itching, and painful urination

- most men do not have symptoms

- usually spread by sexual contact but can also be spread by toilet seats, wet towels, or other items with discharge on them