1. Sexually Transmitted Infections
Main Points

2. Pathogens Caused by virus – incurable, but treatable
Human papilloma virus
Herpes
Human immunodeficiency virus
Hepatitis
Caused by bacterium – curable and treatable
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis

3. Pathogens Caused by protozoa Caused by multicellular parasites
Trichomoniasis
Caused by multicellular parasites
“Crabs” (pubic lice)
Scabies (mites)

4. Incidence Estimated Differences in states’ reporting requirements
HPV most common unreported STI (14 million per CDC)
Chlamydia most common reported STI (1.5 million per CDC, data)
One million new cases per day in world (WHO, 2016)

5. Symptoms Many cases are asymptomatic
Symptoms in females may be more difficult to see
General (burning during urination, itching)
Specific (blisters vs warts)

6. Herpes Virus (incurable, treatable) Herpes Simplex 1
Associated more frequently with oral infections (“cold sore”)
Herpes Simplex 1 can be found in genital region
Herpes Simplex 2
Associated more frequently with genital infections
Herpes Simplex 2 can be found in oral region

7. Cold Sore vs Canker Sore
Cold sore: Herpes Simplex
Usually visible outside of lip
Blister-like
May include a cluster of blisters
Canker sore: not Herpes Simplex
Usually visible inside of lip or cheek
Caused by trauma, stress, nutrition imbalance, hormone shifts, others

8. Gonorrhea Bacterial infection (curable)
2016: news of antibiotic resistance
Asymptomatic
Burning during urination, bowel movement
Abdominal, pelvic, anal pain, sore throat
Vaginal, penile discharge

9. Gonorrhea

10. HPV – Human Papilloma Virus
Virus (incurable, treatable)
Asymptomatic
Main symptom is warts
In region of infection – penis, vagina, anus
Vary in size
Different from plantar warts
Symptoms may also affect throat, tonsils
Cervical, throat cancer risks

11. HPV – Human Papilloma Virus

12. Syphilis Bacterial infection (curable)
Four stages, symptoms different for each
Primary: chancre
Secondary: rash
Latent: often asymptomatic
Tertiary: organ damage

13. Syphilis

14. Syphilis and History Tuskegee Moments in Civil Rights History
Documentary – Deadly Deception (PBS, via YouTube)
Guatemala
Journeyman Pictures, “The Frightening Legacy of US Syphilis Experiments in Guatemala” (16:25)
$1B U.S. lawsuit, (previous lawsuit dismissed)
CNN report (3:00)

15. Complications Vulnerability to HIV transmission (sores)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (chlamydia, gonorrhea)
Nervous system, cardiovascular system (syphilis)
Infertility (PID; urethra stricture in men)
Cancer (HPV)

16. Women & STI Complications
Women are more vulnerable to STI complications
Internal vs external anatomy
Less likely to experience symptoms
May confuse STI discharge with normal discharge
Women may not see symptoms as easily
Pelvic inflammatory disease
STIs may be passed to newborn babies

17. Complications: Gonorrhea
If infection spreads to uterus/fallopian tubes, pelvic inflammatory disease can develop
Pain (mild to severe)
Fever
Infertility
Epididymitis (swelling of epididymis in the testicle)
Drugs.com features an illustration of epididymitis
If infection not treated, it may spread to the bloodstream
“Disseminated Gonococcal Infection” (DGI)
Pain & swelling in tendons, joints
Skin rash: red spots may contain pus
Resistance to antibiotic treatment (see CNN September story)

18. Complications: Syphilis
Complications of untreated syphilis are seen in the tertiary stage
Bone pain
Hearing loss
Vision loss
Dementia
Incontinence
Impotence
Heart attack
Stroke
Numbness
Sensitive photos available at the CDC
Antibiotics can cure syphilis, but cannot undo complication damage
Antibiotic resistance has occurred outside the U.S. (Samuel Sarmiento, NBC News, 9/2/16)

19. Testing Web-based resource via CDC Local:
Planned Parenthood of Greater Northwest
King County Public Health