SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE, IT'S TREATMENT

AND PREVENTION

BY

BRAIMOH MONSURATU PECULIAR

MATRIC NO: AST/2382160637

BEING A SEMINAR WORK PRESENTED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY, SCHOOL OF
APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AUCHI POLYTECHNIC, AUCHI
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE
AWARD OF HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND) IN BIOLOGICAL
SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
(MICROBIOLOGY OPTION)

APRIL, 2023

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 INTRODUCTION
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
are generally acquired by sexual contact. The bacteria, viruses or parasites that cause
sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or
vaginal and other bodily fluids. Sometimes these infections can be transmitted
nonsexual, such as from mothers to their infants during pregnancy or childbirth, or
through blood transfusions or shared needles. STIs don't always cause symptoms. It's
possible to contract sexually transmitted infections from people who seem perfectly
healthy and may not even know they have an infection (Adamson, 2020).
The term sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) refer to a variety of clinical
syndromes and infections caused by pathogens that can be acquired and transmitted
through sexual activity. Physicians and other health-care providers play a critical role
in preventing and treating STDs. These guidelines for the treatment of STDs are
intended to assist with that effort. Although these guidelines emphasize treatment,
prevention strategies and diagnostic recommendations also are discussed (Adamson
PC, et al. 2020). These recommendations should be regarded as a source of clinical
guidance rather than prescriptive standards; health-care providers should always
consider the clinical circumstances of each person in the context of local disease
prevalence. These guidelines are applicable to any patient-care setting that serves
persons at risk for STDs, including family-planning clinics, HIV-care clinics,
correctional health-care settings, private physicians’ offices, Federally Qualified
Health Centers (FQHCs), and other primary-care facilities. These guidelines focus on
treatment and counseling and do not address other community services and
interventions that are essential to STD/HIV prevention efforts (Adamson, 2020).

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 SOME OF THE MOST COMMON SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED
DISEASES
Chlamydia
Occurs most often in teens and young adults, with females much more likely to get it
than males. It is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. In Canada, chlamydia
is the most common STI (Sieving, 2019).

Gonorrhoea
Is an infection by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea. It is the second-most common
STI, and teens and young adults represent almost half of all cases that are reported. If
this condition is not treated, it may lead to infertility in both men and women
(Sieving, 2019).

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

causes genital warts. It is also a very common STI in Canada, especially among teens
and young adults. Research shows that the virus that causes genital warts is also
linked to cervical cancer, as well as certain other cancers including cancer of the
anus, penis, vulva, vagina and the back of the throat (Adamson, 2020).

Syphilis
Is a bacterial infection that is less common but still remains a cause for concern. Its
frequency has dropped significantly over several few decades until the late 1990s,
after which the rate has been steadily increasing in Canada (CDC, 2019).

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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Is the viral infection that can cause AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
This virus attacks cells of the immune system, leaving a person defenceless against
many other infections and their complications (CDC, 2019).

Hepatitis B
Is caused by a virus that infects the liver. There is no cure for this condition, but a
vaccine is available to protect you against the virus (CDC, 2019).

Genital herpes
It produces cold-sore-type lesions, is also caused by a virus. Once the herpes virus
enters your body it is there for the rest of your life. Symptoms of the infection may
occur without warning (CDC. 2019).

Chancroid
A bacterial infection of the genitals, was once rare in North America, but has become
more frequent in recent years. It can cause genital ulcers (CDC. 2021).

Pubic Lice
It is known as "crabs," is an infestation of the genital area by lice (tiny wingless
insects) (CDC. 2021).

Trichomoniasis
Is an infection caused by Trichomoniasis vaginalis, a protozoan that affects women
more often than men, and is often asymptomatic. This infection commonly appears
along with gonorrhoea and other STIs (Sieving, 2019).

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 EFFECTS OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES1
 Heavier than normal vaginal discharge
 Discharge from the penis or rectum
 Itching in genital or anal areas
 Sores or rashes in genital or anal areas, sometimes also in the mouth
 Pain during intercourse
 Painful or more frequent urination
 Swollen glands in the groin
 Fever, headache, general feeling of illness
 Pelvic pain that is not related to your period
With syphilis, sores called chancres often appear about 3 weeks after exposure.
There are usually one or more sores at the place of initial infection. If left untreated,
this first phase of syphilis lasts 3 to 6 weeks. A rash over larger areas of the body can
follow 3 to 6 weeks after the sores appear. This is the beginning of the second stage
of syphilis. People with syphilis may also get aching muscles and swollen lymph
glands as well as flat warts during this stage. Syphilis can also lead to eye
inflammation, causing blurred vision. In the second stage, symptoms may come and
go over the next 1 to 2 years, then disappear. About one-third of people in the second
stage of syphilis will go on to the third stage, where the infection damages the brain,
heart, nervous system, bones, joints, eyes, and other body areas (CDC. 2019).

Hepatitis B can cause many symptoms including a decrease in appetite (associated

with nausea and vomiting), jaundice, dark yellowing of urine, and aching in the
muscles and joints. These symptoms are signs of liver inflammation or damage
(Kuruvilla, 2021).

Genital herpes produces a tingling sensation in the genitals. Sores develop in and
around the male and female genitals, anus, thighs, buttocks, and mouth.

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Chancroid is caused by a bacterial infection in the genital area. 4 to 7 days after
exposure to the bacteria, sores form, often with a red border around them. Although
this infection is more common in tropical areas, it is possible to get it elsewhere.
Antibiotics treat this infection normally within 2 weeks (Kuruvilla, 2021).

It's possible to transmit pubic lice from one person to another without sexual contact
(for example, by sharing bedding, towels, or clothing). However, sexual contact may
transfer the eggs or lice from one person to another. Symptoms may include itching
of the genital area. You may also be able to see the lice (small, brown, pinhead-sized
insects) or their eggs (oval and whitish in colour) in your pubic hair. Wash clothes
and bedding in hot water if you discover pubic lice and speak to your doctor or
pharmacist for ways to treat the problem. Medicated shampoos or rinses are available
over-the-counter to treat pubic lice (Kuruvilla, 2021).

There Are Serious Complications Associated with Many

of The STIs
 Infertility, pregnancy complications, or higher risks of cervical cancer can
occur in women.
 Gonorrhoea, if not treated, can spread via the blood stream to joints and heart
valves.
 Both gonorrhoea and chlamydia can cause eye infections in newborns that
came in contact with the bacteria during delivery.
 If syphilis is not treated, it may eventually cause serious damage to the bones,
heart, eyes, brain, and nervous system.
 Hepatitis B can lead to long-term liver damage and higher risks of developing
liver cancer.
 HIV weakens a person's immune system, putting them at risk for many
different infections.
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  Chancroid makes a person more susceptible to HIV infection when they're
exposed to the virus.
 An active herpes infection at the end of a pregnancy will require delivery by a
caesarean section to avoid spreading the infection to the baby.
(Henderson, 2020).

PREVENTION
There are several ways to avoid or reduce the risk of STDs or STIs which are as
follows;
1. Abstain. The most effective way to avoid STIs is to not have (abstain from)
sex.
2. Stay with one uninfected partner. Another reliable way of avoiding STIs is to
stay in a long-term relationship in which both people have sex only with each
other and neither partner is infected.
3. Wait and test. Avoid vaginal and anal intercourse with new partners until you
have both been tested for STIs. Oral sex is less risky, but use a latex condom or
dental dam to prevent skin-to-skin contact between the oral and genital mucous
membranes.
4. Get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated early, before sexual exposure, is also
effective in preventing certain types of STIs. Vaccines are available to prevent
human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
5. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
the HPV vaccine for girls and boys ages 11 and 12, although it can be given as
early as age 9. If not fully vaccinated at ages 11 and 12, the CDC recommends
getting the vaccine through age 26.
6. The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given to newborns, and the hepatitis A
vaccine is recommended for 1-year-olds. Both vaccines are recommended for
people who aren't already immune to these diseases and for those who are at
increased risk of infection, such as men who have sex with men and IV drug
users.
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 7. Use condoms and dental dams consistently and correctly. Use a new latex
condom or dental dam for each sex act, whether oral, vaginal or anal. Never
use an oil-based lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, with a latex condom or
dental dam.
8. Condoms made from natural membranes are not recommended because they're
not effective at preventing STIs. Also, keep in mind that while latex condoms
reduce your risk of exposure to most STIs, they provide less protection
for STIs involving exposed genital sores, such as HPV or herpes.
9. Also, non-barrier forms of contraception, such as birth control pills or
intrauterine devices (IUDs), don't protect against STIs.
10.Don't drink alcohol excessively or use drugs. If you're under the influence,
you're more likely to take sexual risks.
11.Communicate. Before any serious sexual contact, communicate with your
partner about practicing safer sex. Be sure you specifically agree on what
activities will and won't be OK.
12.Consider male circumcision. For men, there's evidence that circumcision can
help reduce the risk of acquiring HIV from a woman with HIV by as much as
60%. Male circumcision may also help prevent transmission of
genital HPV and genital herpes.
13.Consider using preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has approved the use of two combination drugs to
reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at very high risk. They're
emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada) and emtricitabine
plus tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (Descovy).
Your doctor will prescribe these drugs for HIV prevention only if you don't already
have HIV. You will need an HIV test before you start taking PrEP and then every
three months as long as you're taking it. Your doctor will also test your kidney
function before prescribing Truvada and continue to test it every six months. If you
have hepatitis B, you should be evaluated by an infectious disease or liver specialist
before beginning therapy.
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 These drugs must be taken every day, exactly as prescribed. If you use Truvada
daily, you can lower your risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from
injection drug use by more than 74% percent, according to the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. Research suggests that Descovy is similarly
effective in reducing the risk of getting HIV from sex. However, Descovy hasn't
been studied in people who have receptive vaginal sex. Using additional
prevention, such as condoms, can lower your risk even more and prevent
other STIs (Henderson, 2020).

TREATMENT
Antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections, like the ones that cause
gonorrhea, syphilis, or chancroid. Gonorrhea often occurs at the same time as
chlamydia, so doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat both gonorrhea and
chlamydia. Your partner should be treated at the same time to avoid reinfection.
People with acute hepatitis B are usually treated only for symptoms. Most adults
clear the virus on their own. However, for the few people that do not, treatment exists
to reduce the risk of long-term liver damage (Adamson PC, 2020).
There is no cure for HIV. Doctors prescribe different combinations of antiviral
medications to slow down the progress of the disease. Treatments can vary from one
person to the next to determine what combination works best for you. Doctors also
treat secondary infections that result from a weakened immune system. Don't be shy
about asking new sexual partners if they have STIs, or letting them know if you have
one. To avoid spreading STIs, people who are sexually active and have multiple
partners can be routinely screened and rapidly treated by a doctor (Adamson PC,
2020).

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 CONCLUSION
STIs impose a considerable health and economic burden globally. Primary
prevention and control of STIs in LMICs can be an efficient use of resources,
although the impact and cost-effectiveness of interventions can vary substantially
across settings. Furthermore, estimates of the cost-effectiveness of STI control in
LMICs can be subject to considerable uncertainty and might not be generalizable
across settings. The findings of this literature review should be considered in light of
the limitations inherent in cost-effectiveness studies of STI control in LMICs, such as
incomplete cost data and imprecise estimates of program impact.
Behavioural interventions can often lead to reductions in the risk of acquiring
STIs, at least in the short term. In contrast, interventions with long-lasting effects—
such as adult male circumcision and HPV and HBV vaccination—can have a more
pronounced impact on disease burden at the individual and population levels. Given
the challenges of providing STI prevention and treatment services in LMICs,
structural interventions are needed to make it easier and more realistic for people to
choose safer behaviours. Unfortunately, establishing that a given intervention is
effective and cost-effective is not enough to ensure its delivery. Screening for syphilis
in pregnancy remains vastly underutilized, even though it is relatively inexpensive,
effective, and cost-effective.

RECOMMNEDATIONS
Intensive behavioral counseling for all sexually active adolescents and for adults
whose history indicates an increased risk of STIs. These interventions can reduce STI
acquisition and risky sexual behaviors, and increase condom use and other protective
behaviors.
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 REFERENCES
Adamson, P.C. (2020); Point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections: A
review of recent developments. Archives of Pathology and Laboratory
Medicine doi:10.5858/arpa.2020-0118-RA.
CDC. (2021); A comprehensive immunization strategy to eliminate transmission of
hepatitis B virus infection in the United States: recommendations of the
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) part 1: immunization
of infants, children, and adolescents. MMWR Recomm Rep 54(No. RR-16).
CDC. (2019); Prevention of hepatitis A through active or passive immunization:
recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep 55(No. RR-7).
Henderson, J.T., Senger, C.A., Henninger, M., Bean, S.I., Redmond, N., & O’Connor,
E.A., (2020). Behavioral counseling interventions to prevent sexually
transmitted infections: updated evidence report and systematic review for the
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https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/sexually-transmitted-infections.
Accessed June 21,
Sieving, R.E. (2019); Sexually transmitted diseases among US adolescents and

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