STIs: Understanding Sexually Transmitted Infections

What Are STIs?

Definition:

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact.

Key Examples:

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea

 

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a deadly virus that leads to AIDS (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency) if untreated.
• Once someone catches HIV the first symptoms are flu-like and then these stop.
• This makes it less obvious the virus is in the body and people can have the virus for months without knowing
• HIV works but attacking a certain type of lymphocyte in the body and continually changing it's protein coating. 
• This stops the body from recognising and fighting the virus.
• The virus then uses the resources of the compromised cells to replicate.
• This causes the number of lymphocytes in the body to reduce which reduces how many antibodies that can be made
• As a result the body becomes weak and is not able to fight off many other infections, leading to AIDS

 

Feature	Details
Cause	HIV is caused by a virus.
Disease Progression	If untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
Effect on Body	Weakens the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infections.

 

How Is HIV Transmitted?

HIV spreads through the exchange of bodily fluids such as:

• Blood: Sharing needles or during a blood transfusion.
• Semen and Vaginal Fluids: Unprotected sexual contact.
• Breast Milk: From an infected mother to her baby.

 

How To Control the Spread of STIs?

1. Use Protection:

   • Condoms create a barrier that reduces the chance of transmission.

2. Regular Testing:

   • Early detection allows for better treatment and prevents further spread.

3. Avoid Sharing Needles:

   • Reduces the risk of blood-borne infections like HIV.

4. Education:

   • Raising awareness about STIs and their prevention.

5. Mother-to-Baby Prevention:

   • HIV-positive mothers can take antiretroviral drugs to lower the risk of passing HIV to their baby.

 

Comparing HIV and Other STIs

Feature	HIV	Other STIs (e.g., Gonorrhea)
Pathogen Type	Virus	Bacteria (in most cases)
Effect on Body	Weakens immune system	Causes localized infections (e.g., pain, discharge).
Treatment	Antiretroviral drugs	Antibiotics (for bacterial STIs).