Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)

Full Answer Section

• Symptomatology/Clinical Manifestations: Often asymptomatic, especially in women. When symptoms occur:
  • Men: Painful urination, discharge from the penis, testicular pain.
  • Women: Increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, pelvic pain, bleeding between periods.
• Patient Education:
  • Use condoms consistently and correctly.
  • Get tested regularly, especially if you have new or multiple partners.
  • Inform all sexual partners if you are diagnosed with chlamydia so they can be tested and treated.
  • Abstain from sex until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and are symptom-free.
• Management Plan:
  • Pharmacological: Azithromycin (single dose) or doxycycline (7 days). Partner treatment is essential to prevent reinfection.
  • Non-pharmacological: Abstinence from sex until treatment is complete.

2. Gonorrhea

• Causative Organism: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a gram-negative diplococcus.
• Pathophysiology: N. gonorrhoeae infects the mucous membranes of the urethra, cervix, rectum, and throat. Like chlamydia, it can lead to PID in women.
• Symptomatology/Clinical Manifestations: Often asymptomatic, especially in women. When symptoms are present:
  • Men: Painful urination, thick, yellowish discharge from the penis.
  • Women: Increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, pelvic pain, bleeding between periods. Can also cause rectal or throat infections.
• Patient Education:
  • Use condoms consistently and correctly.
  • Get tested regularly, especially if you have new or multiple partners.
  • Inform all sexual partners if you are diagnosed with gonorrhea so they can be tested and treated.
  • Abstain from sex until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and are symptom-free.
• Management Plan:
  • Pharmacological: Ceftriaxone (intramuscular injection) plus azithromycin (oral). Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, updated treatment guidelines should be consulted. Partner treatment is essential.
  • Non-pharmacological: Abstinence from sex until treatment is complete.

3. Syphilis

• Causative Organism: Treponema pallidum, a spirochete bacterium.
• Pathophysiology: Syphilis progresses in stages:
  • Primary: Painless chancre (ulcer) at the site of infection.
  • Secondary: Rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat.
  • Latent: Asymptomatic period.
  • Tertiary: Severe complications, including neurological damage, cardiovascular problems, and gummas (tumors).
• Symptomatology/Clinical Manifestations: Vary depending on the stage. The primary chancre heals on its own, but the infection progresses if untreated. Secondary syphilis can mimic other illnesses. Tertiary syphilis can be devastating.
• Patient Education:
  • Use condoms consistently and correctly.
  • Get tested regularly, especially if you have new or multiple partners.
  • Inform all sexual partners if you are diagnosed with syphilis so they can be tested and treated.
  • Syphilis can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby, so prenatal testing and treatment are crucial.
• Management Plan:
  • Pharmacological: Penicillin is the preferred treatment at all stages. The dosage and duration depend on the stage of syphilis. Partner treatment is essential.
  • Non-pharmacological: Abstinence from sex until treatment is complete.

4. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

• Causative Organism: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a retrovirus.
• Pathophysiology: HIV attacks the immune system's CD4+ T cells, gradually weakening the immune response. Untreated HIV can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
• Symptomatology/Clinical Manifestations: Acute HIV infection may cause flu-like symptoms. The chronic phase can be asymptomatic for years. AIDS is characterized by opportunistic infections and cancers due to severe immune deficiency.
• Patient Education:
  • Use condoms consistently and correctly.
  • Get tested for HIV if you have any risk factors.
  • If you are diagnosed with HIV, start antiretroviral therapy (ART) as soon as possible.
  • Practice safe sex to prevent transmission to others.
• Management Plan:
  • Pharmacological: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the cornerstone of HIV treatment. It involves taking a combination of medications to suppress the virus and prevent immune system damage. There is no cure for HIV, but ART can effectively control the virus and allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives.
  • Non-pharmacological: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. Regular medical checkups and monitoring are essential.

5. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• Causative Organism: Human Papillomavirus, a group of viruses. Some types cause genital warts, while others can lead to cancer (especially cervical cancer).
• Pathophysiology: HPV infects the skin and mucous membranes. High-risk types can cause cellular changes that can lead to cancer.
• Symptomatology/Clinical Manifestations:
  • Genital warts: Painless bumps or growths in the genital area.
  • Cancer: Often asymptomatic in early stages. Cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) is crucial for early detection.
• Patient Education:
  • Use condoms consistently and correctly (reduces risk, but does not eliminate it completely).
  • Get vaccinated against HPV. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection with the types of HPV that cause most cancers and genital warts.
  • Women should get regular Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer.
• Management Plan:
  • Genital warts: Treatment options include topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing), electrocautery (burning), or surgical removal.
  • Cervical cancer: Treatment depends on the stage of cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
  • Non-pharmacological: Regular checkups and screenings are crucial for early detection and treatment of HPV-related problems.

Important Note: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of STIs. Self-treatment can be dangerous. Partner notification and treatment are crucial for many STIs to prevent reinfection and further spread.

Sample Answer

Here are five common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), along with their causative organisms, pathophysiology, symptoms, patient education points, and management plans:

1. Chlamydia

• Causative Organism: Chlamydia trachomatis, an obligate intracellular bacterium.
• Pathophysiology: C. trachomatis infects the mucous membranes of the urethra, cervix, rectum, and sometimes the eyes. It causes inflammation and can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can result in infertility.