Sexually Transmitted Infections

CONTENT

• Definition, Mode of Transmission, Symptoms, Prevention and Control
• HIV and AIDS

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) (veneral diseases) are the diseases that are contacted through sexual intercourse. Examples include syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, thrush, AIDSetc.The table below shows a list of STIs, their symptoms, transmission, etc.

DISEASE	CAUSATIVE ORGANISM	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION/CONTROL
GONORRHOEA	Bacterium (Neisseria gonorrhea)	Burning sensation during urination in malesA thick yellowish discharge in malesPain on passing urine in femalesVagina discharge and swelling of the vulvaRedness around the urinary openings Sterility at advanced stage	Discourage commercialized prostitutionAvoid multiple sexual partnersGet medical attention and stop sexual intercourse with previous partner(s)
SYPHILIS	Bacterium (Treponemapallidium)	A small painless sore appear on the penis or vulva at the initial stageFever, skin rashes, mouth ulcer, aching pains at the lymph node regions at secondary stageNervous disorder, insanity, repeated abortion etc.	As in gonorrhoea
Acquired immunue deficiency syndrome (AIDS)	Human immune – deficiency virus (HIV)	Fever, chronic diarrheaExcessive weight lossGeneral skin irritationSwelling of the glandsPersistent coughPersistent severe fatigued	Keep one faithful partnerAvoid sharing sharp objects such as razor blade, Screening of blood before transfusionAvoid oral, anal sex and kissingNational mass campaign to educate people on the danger of HIV
Genital warts	Human papillomavirus (HPV)	Painless, flesh coloured bumps/warts develop on the penis, in and around the vagina and the anus and may re-appear at different times.Cervical cancer	Vaccine available for women aged 9 -26.sharing personal items, including towels, razors, bars of soap, footwear, or other objects

HIV AND AIDS

HIV (Acquired immune deficiency virus) is the pathogen that caused AIDS, a sexually transmitted disease. AIDS is a disease in which the immune system of the human body is completely broken down, rendering the body unable to fight against any pathogens that attack it.HIV belong to a group of RNA virus referred to as retro – viruses. They are capable of converting their RNA to DNA; they attack, infect and destroy certain white blood cells called helper T cells or CD4 (lymphocytes).

HIV can remain dormant in the cell of the host for years and multiplying as the cells of the host divide, eventually the virus becomes active producing many viruses causing the killing of the helper T cells. Once the body looses too many helper T cells, the body’s defense against infections crumbles and the body becomes vulnerable to various disease pathogens causing various opportunistic diseases.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

Apart from sexual intercourse, HIV can be transmitted through

1. Receiving blood transfusion from an infected person
   1. Infection through pregnancy, child birth and breast feeding
   1. Using unsterilized infected needles and syringes
   1. By practicing oral and anal sex
   1. Open mouth kiss with an infected person

EVALUATION

1. Mention five sexually transmitted diseases
2. State the causative organisms of the diseases mentioned above.

GENERALEVALUATION/REVISIONAL QUESTIONS

1. Mention five beneficial and five harmful effects of microorganisms.
2. In a tabular form, state causal agent and symptoms of five bacterial diseases.
3. State three airborne diseases and their symptoms.
4. What are sexually transmitted infections?
5. State five STIs, their causal agent, mode of transmission and symptoms.

READING ASSIGNMENT: College Biology, chapter 21, page 469 – 472

WEEKEND ASSSIGNMENT

1. The following diseases are caused by bacteria except     (a) gonorrhea     (b) AIDS     (c) syphilis     (d) none of the above
2. A disease characterized by high fevers, loss of weight, chronic diarrhea, wasting away and final death is     (a) gonorrhoea     (b) AIDS     (c) syphilis    (d) none of the above
3. Which of the following is not a sexually transmitted disease?    (a) gonorrhea                      (b) malaria     (c) syphilis     (d) AIDS
4. Which of the following statements is wrong?   (a) All STIs are caused by viruses       (b) All STIs are caused by bacteria      (c) All STIs are caused by protozoans     (d) All of the above
5. A disease which displays symptoms which are similar to the symptoms of other diseases is      (a) syphilis     (b) malaria     (c) river blindness     (d) none of the above

THEORY

1. State the causative organisms, five modes of infection and five ways of controlling AIDS.
2. Differentiate between HIV and AIDS.