Sexually transmitted infections Revision Notes

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection passed from one person to another during sexual activity. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

Transmission occurs when infectious agents move from an infected person to their sexual partner during sexual contact. Not all sexual activity results in transmission, but it is the primary route for spreading STIs.

• STIs spread through sexual contact between individuals.
• They can be caused by different microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
• Sexual activities include vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

STIs mainly affect the reproductive organs but can also impact other parts of the body. Some infections cause symptoms, while others may be symptomless, increasing the risk of unknowingly spreading the infection.

Knowing that STIs spread through sexual activity helps individuals take preventive measures such as practicing safe sex to reduce transmission risk.

• STIs can cause symptoms or be symptomless.
• They affect reproductive organs and sometimes other body parts.
• Awareness of transmission helps in prevention and control.

Safe sexual practices, including the use of condoms, reduce the risk of STI transmission. Regular testing and communication with partners also help in early detection and treatment, limiting spread.

• Use of condoms during sex reduces STI risk.
• Regular health checks and open communication are important.
• Education about STI transmission supports prevention efforts.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which is a virus that infects humans.

It is classified as a pathogen because it causes disease in the body.

Unlike bacteria or fungi, HIV is a viral pathogen.

• HIV is a virus (viral pathogen).
• It causes disease by infecting the body.

HIV is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, making it a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

The virus spreads when infected body fluids such as semen or vaginal fluids enter another person's body during unprotected sex.

• HIV is passed through sexual contact.
• It causes an STI by infecting the immune system.

Once inside the body, HIV attacks the immune system, specifically targeting cells that help fight infections.

This weakens the body's ability to defend against other diseases, making the person more vulnerable to infections.

• HIV attacks and weakens the immune system.
• This leads to increased risk of other infections.

HIV infects and destroys T-helper cells, which are crucial for coordinating the immune response.

As these cells are lost, the immune system becomes less effective at fighting infections.

• HIV targets T-helper cells.
• Loss of these cells weakens immune defense.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

It is the advanced stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged.

People with AIDS are vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.

• AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection.
• Characterized by severe immune deficiency.

Without treatment, HIV gradually destroys T-helper cells over time.

When the immune system is critically weakened, the condition is diagnosed as AIDS.

Early diagnosis and treatment can delay or prevent progression to AIDS.

• HIV infection can progress to AIDS.
• Treatment helps maintain immune function.

HIV is present in blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.

These fluids can carry the virus from an infected person to another.

• Blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk can transmit HIV.
• Saliva and sweat do not transmit HIV.

Unprotected sexual intercourse is the most common way HIV spreads.

Sharing needles or syringes contaminated with infected blood can transmit HIV.

An infected mother can pass HIV to her baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.

Receiving blood transfusions with infected blood can also transmit HIV.

• Unprotected sex transmits HIV.
• Sharing needles spreads HIV.
• Mother-to-child transmission occurs during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
• Infected blood transfusions can transmit HIV.

HIV is not spread by casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, or sharing utensils.

It requires exchange of specific body fluids to infect another person.

• Casual contact does not spread HIV.
• HIV requires infected body fluids to enter the bloodstream.

Using condoms during sexual activity acts as a barrier to prevent exchange of infected body fluids.

This reduces the risk of transmitting STIs including HIV.

• Condoms prevent direct contact and fluid exchange.
• Barrier methods reduce STI transmission risk.

Education teaches people how STIs spread and how to protect themselves.

It encourages safer sexual behaviors such as using condoms and limiting partners.

• Education promotes safe sex practices.
• Increases awareness of STI risks and prevention.

Regular testing helps detect STIs early, even before symptoms appear.

Early diagnosis allows prompt treatment, reducing the chance of passing infections to others.

Treatment cures or manages infections, lowering transmission rates.

• Testing identifies infections early.
• Treatment reduces infectiousness.
• Early treatment prevents complications.

Public health campaigns raise awareness and encourage responsible behavior.

Access to healthcare services supports testing, treatment, and education.

• Campaigns promote prevention and testing.
• Healthcare access is vital for STI control.