Summary
The term "sexually transmitted infections" (STIs) refers to a group of infections that are mainly transmitted via sexual intercourse. The most common symptoms of STIs are pain in the suprapubic and genital area, urethral or vaginal discharge, and genital lesions, which may or may not be painful. Some STIs (e.g., HPV) may induce or predispose to malignant changes. The majority of STIs are asymptomatic, and therefore easily spread. If a patient is already infected with an STI, they are predisposed to coinfections with further STIs. There are various treatment options for each STI, with simultaneous treatment of the partner often necessary to prevent recurrent infections. In some cases, health care providers are required by law to report cases of STIs to county and health state departments (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B).
Overview of sexually transmitted infections
Overview of sexually transmitted infections | ||
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Pathogens | Associated disease | Management |
Viral pathogens | ||
Human papillomavirus type 6 and 11 |
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Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) |
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HIV |
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Hepatitis B virus (HBV) |
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Bacterial pathogens | ||
Chlamydia trachomatis D–K |
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Chlamydia trachomatis L1–L3 | ||
Klebsiella granulomatis | ||
Haemophilus ducreyi |
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Neisseria gonorrhea |
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Treponema pallidum |
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Parasitic pathogens | ||
Trichomonas vaginalis | ||
Phthirus pubis |
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Genital lesions
Overview of genital lesions | ||
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Pathogen | Clinical features | Diagnosis |
Painless lesions | ||
Human papillomavirus type 6 and 11 |
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Klebsiella granulomatis |
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Chlamydia trachomatis L1–L3 |
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Treponema pallidum |
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Painful lesions | ||
Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (mostly HSV-2) |
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Haemophilus ducreyi |
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