1. Distinguish between the following terms: Infection and disease, UTI and STI, symptom and syndrome of a disease. Infection and disease Infection refers to the invasion and multiplication of a pathogen in the body, whereas disease is the result of a pathogenic infection causing damage to the body. UTI and STI UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) refers to an infection of any portion of the urinary tract, while STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) is an infection that is spread from one person to another during sexual activity Symptom and syndrome A symptom of a disease is a subjective evidence of disease as sensed by the patient, such as pain or nausea, while a syndrome refers to a pattern of symptoms that point to a specific disease or condition.
2. Describe the etiology, clinical manifestations and management of inflammatory and ulcerative sexually transmitted diseases.
1. Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis)
Etiology: This bacterial infection is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and is one of the most common STIs. It primarily affects the urethra, cervix, rectum, and can spread to the eyes. Clinical Manifestations: Symptoms can include pain or burning during urination, inflammation of the urethra, cervix, or rectum, itching of the genital area, and white-colored discharge from the penis or vagina. However, up to two-thirds of infections are asymptomatic, particularly in women. Left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and potentially affect fertility. Babies born to infected mothers may develop conjunctivitis or pneumonia. Management: Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics, and early detection ensures full recovery. If untreated, complications such as PID in women or the transmission of the infection to newborns may occur.
2. Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)
Etiology: Neisseria gonorrhea is a bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact. It can affect the genital tract, rectum, throat, and eyes. Clinical Manifestations: Symptoms may include a burning sensation during urination or defecation, green-colored discharge from the genital area, sore throat, swelling of the vulva, and the false sense of needing to urinate. A significant portion of women (80%) and some men (10%) may be asymptomatic. Untreated, gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women or permanent joint damage. In pregnant women, it increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or transmission to the newborn. Management: Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics and can be cured with early detection. Left untreated, it may cause serious reproductive issues or complications in newborns.
3. Syphilis (Treponema pallidum)
Etiology: Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, syphilis is transmitted through sexual contact or from mother to child during pregnancy. Clinical Manifestations: Syphilis progresses in stages. The primary stage involves a painless sore or ulcer at the site of infection (e.g., the genitals, mouth, or other exposed areas), which disappears without treatment. If untreated, secondary syphilis causes rashes and flu-like symptoms. In its later stages, syphilis can damage the heart, bones, joints, and nervous system. It can also lead to serious birth defects if transmitted from mother to child. Management: Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin, during the early stages. However, once infected, antibodies remain for life, meaning the infection may reactivate without proper management.
4. Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus)
Etiology: Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which has two types: type 1 (commonly associated with oral sores) and type 2 (usually associated with genital sores). Clinical Manifestations: Herpes is marked by small sores or blisters in the mouth or genital area that break open to form painful ulcers. The virus remains in nerve endings and can be reactivated during times of immune system compromise. Some individuals may never develop symptoms, though they can still spread the virus through sexual contact. Management: Although there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission.
5. Chancroid (Hemophilus ducreyi)
Etiology: This bacterial infection is caused by Hemophilus ducreyi. It is characterized by painful ulcers around the genital area. Clinical Manifestations: Chancroid begins as small pustules that burst, forming open, painful sores, particularly in men. In some cases, women may show no symptoms. If not treated, it can lead to severe discomfort and, in some cases, complications such as scarring. Management: Chancroid can be fully cured with the appropriate antibiotics if detected early.
3. Discuss the synergy between HIV/AIDS and STDs.
The presence of an STI has been shown to increase an individual’s susceptibility to HIV. The presence of genital ulcers that accompany STIs like syphilis or cancroid and STIs that do not result in ulcers like Chlamydia and gonorrhea have been shown to lead to increase in an individual’s susceptibility to HIV. In addition, it has been demonstrated by several research studies that the presence of an STI increases the viral load present in a man’s semen or a woman’s vaginal fluids and that the damage HIV causes to the immune system makes the symptoms of STIs more severe, longer lasting, and more difficult to treat. 4. Using a concrete example give a detailed account of the host-pathogen interaction. Host-pathogen interaction with Streptococcus pyogenes: The bacteria enter the body through the skin, and the body's immune system responds by secreting cytokines that increase blood flow to the infected area, resulting in inflammation and localized redness. The bacteria may also produce various virulence factors like M protein and hyaluronic acid capsule, which help them evade the host immune system, resulting in a more severe infection. The management of this infection involves antibiotic therapy and supportive care.
Contagious Diseases: The Science, History, and Future of Epidemics. From Ancient Plagues to Modern Pandemics, How to Stay Ahead of a Global Health Crisis
