Sexually Transmitted Infections

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STI Overview & Syndromic Approach - Setting the Stage

  • STIs: Significant public health problem in India; ↑HIV transmission.
  • Complications: PID, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcomes (neonatal infections), anogenital cancers.
  • Syndromic Case Management (SCM): NACO's cornerstone for STI control.
    • Approach: Identifies symptom groups (syndromes) for treatment decisions.
    • Action: Treats commonest pathogens without initial lab confirmation using specific drug regimens.
    • Tools: Pre-packaged, color-coded kits for different syndromes. 📌 (e.g., Kit 1 Grey for Urethral Discharge/Cervicitis).
    • Benefit: Ensures prompt, effective treatment, vital in resource-limited settings.

⭐ Syndromic management is crucial for timely STI control in resource-limited settings, especially at primary healthcare levels, reducing onward transmission.

STI/RTI Color Coded Kits and Syndromic Management

Ulcerative STIs - Sores & Stories

  • Syphilis (Primary): T. pallidum. Painless, indurated single chancre. Dx: Darkfield, Serology. Rx: Benzathine Penicillin G 2.4 MU IM.

  • Chancroid: H. ducreyi. Painful, soft, multiple ulcers; painful bubo. Dx: Gram stain ("school of fish"). Rx: Azithromycin 1g PO.

  • Genital Herpes: HSV-2. Multiple painful vesicles → ulcers. Recurrent. Dx: Tzanck smear (giant cells). Rx: Acyclovir.

  • LGV: C. trachomatis (L1-L3). Transient painless ulcer; painful adenopathy ("groove sign"). Rx: Doxycycline 100mg BD x 21d.

  • Donovanosis: K. granulomatis. Painless, progressive, beefy-red ulcer; no adenopathy. Dx: Donovan bodies. Rx: Azithromycin 1g weekly x 3w.

⭐ The "groove sign" in LGV, a depression between enlarged inguinal node groups, is highly suggestive.

Discharge & Dysuria STIs - Drips & Discomfort

  • Gonorrhea (N. gonorrhoeae)

    • Symptoms: Purulent discharge (urethral/cervical), dysuria. Complications: epididymitis (men), PID (women), DGI (arthritis, dermatitis).
    • Dx: Gram stain (diplococci), NAAT.
    • Rx: Ceftriaxone 500mg IM + Azithromycin 1g PO.
  • Chlamydia (C. trachomatis D-K)

    • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic. Mucoid/watery discharge, dysuria. Complications: PID, infertility.
    • 📌 Reiter's Syndrome: Urethritis, conjunctivitis, arthritis ("Can't see, pee, climb a tree").
    • Dx: NAAT (gold standard).
    • Rx: Azithromycin 1g PO (single) OR Doxycycline 100mg BD x 7d.
  • Trichomoniasis (T. vaginalis)

    • Symptoms (Women): Frothy, yellow-green, malodorous discharge; itching; dysuria.
    • Dx: Wet mount (motile trichomonads), NAAT.
    • Rx: Metronidazole 2g PO (single). Treat partners.

    Strawberry cervix (colpitis macularis) is characteristic. Strawberry cervix indication of trichomoniasis

  • Non-Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU)

    • Causes: C. trachomatis (commonest), M. genitalium.
    • Symptoms: Dysuria, mucoid discharge.
    • Rx: Azithromycin 1g PO or Doxycycline 100mg BD x 7d. Persistent: Moxifloxacin (M. genitalium).

Viral STIs, Complications & Prevention - Viral Villains & Vigilance

  • Key Viruses & Clinical Impact:
    • HPV: Genital warts (types 6, 11); Oncogenic: cervical, anogenital, oropharyngeal cancers (types 16, 18). ⭐ > HPV types 16 & 18 cause ~70% of cervical cancers & many related malignancies.
    • HBV/HCV: Sexual route. Chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, HCC.
    • Molluscum Contagiosum: Poxvirus; umbilicated skin papules.
    • (HIV, HSV: Critical viral STIs, detailed elsewhere).
  • Significant Complications:
    • Malignancy: HPV (cervical, anal), HBV/HCV (liver).
    • MTCT: HSV (neonatal), HBV, HIV.
    • ↑ HIV acquisition/transmission with co-STIs.
  • Prevention Strategies: 📌 VACCINES pivotal!
    • Vaccination: HPV (Gardasil 9: 9 types incl. 6,11,16,18); HBV (universal, 3 doses).
    • Condoms: Consistent use reduces transmission.
    • Screening: Pap smears; HBV, HCV, HIV tests.
    • Early Dx/Tx, partner notification/Tx.
    • Antenatal screening (HIV, HBV, Syphilis). HPV vaccine impact on cervical cancer cases worldwideoka

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Syphilis: Painless chancre (1°), condylomata lata (2°); treat with Benzathine Penicillin G.
  • Gonorrhea: Purulent discharge, gram-negative diplococci; treat with Ceftriaxone + Azithromycin.
  • Chlamydia: Often asymptomatic, most common bacterial STI; NAAT diagnosis, treat with Azithromycin.
  • Genital Herpes (HSV-2): Painful vesicles; Acyclovir manages outbreaks.
  • HPV: Genital warts (6, 11), cervical cancer link (16, 18); vaccination prevents.
  • Trichomoniasis: Frothy discharge, strawberry cervix; Metronidazole for patient and partner.
  • Chancroid: Painful ulcer and painful adenopathy (H. ducreyi); treat with Azithromycin.

Practice Questions: Sexually Transmitted Infections

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Why is syndromic management of STIs particularly important in resource-limited settings?

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Flashcards: Sexually Transmitted Infections

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What are the two routes of transmission of Zika virus?_____

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What are the two routes of transmission of Zika virus?_____

Sexual

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