Comprehensive Reference Guide: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
A high-yield biology curriculum study tool categorized by pathogen type, transmissions, manifestations, and management protocols.
SECTION 1: VIRAL INFECTIONS
INFECTION & CAUSATIVE
MEANS OF TRANSMISSION KEY CLINICAL SYMPTOMS & PATHOGENESIS PREVENTION & TREATMENT
AGENT
1. Genital Herpes • HSV-1: Spreads through saliva or • HSV-1: Blisters, ulcers, or open sores forming around the Avoid direct physical contact with active
Herpes Simplex Virus active oral herpes sores. mouth and lips. sores or fluids. Antiviral medications
(HSV-1 and HSV-2) • HSV-2: Primarily spreads via direct • HSV-2: Painful, fluid-filled blisters or open sores forming suppress outbreaks, but the virus remains
sexual or anal contact. around the genital, anal, or oral regions. latent in the nervous system indefinitely.
2. Genital Warts Direct, unprotected sexual intercourse • Development of fleshy, cauliflower-like warts affecting the Consistent barrier protection. Proactive
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and intimate skin-to-skin contact in skin, mucous membranes, throat, cervix, anus, and mouth. vaccination (HPV vaccine series) is highly
the genital region. • Long-term risk: Certain high-risk oncogenic strains effective at preventing the most dangerous
significantly increase risks of cervical, throat, and anal cancer-causing strains.
cancers.
3. Molluscum Direct skin-to-skin contact. Can Appearance of small, firm, round, dome-shaped papules on Maintaining rigorous personal hygiene,
Contagiosum happen during sexual activity (in the skin featuring distinct central indentations or dimples. Can avoiding touching, scratching, or shaving
Molluscum Contagiosum Virus adults) or casual contact (common in resolve spontaneously over several months. the bumps, and preventing direct contact
(Poxvirus family) children). with lesions.
4. HIV & AIDS Unprotected sexual contact, sharing • Stage 1 (Acute): Flu-like illness lasting weeks; rapid Consistent barrier contraceptives. Prompt
Human Immunodeficiency contaminated/non-sterile needles, destruction of CD4+ T cells. emergency Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Virus (RNA Retrovirus) contact with infected blood, or vertical • Stage 2 (Chronic): Latent viral multiplication at low levels; (PEP) within 72 hours blocks
transmission (pregnancy, childbirth, or asymptomatic but highly infectious. establishment. Managed chronically via
breastfeeding). lifelong Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
• Stage 3 (AIDS): CD4 count drops < 200 cells/mm³, leading
to opportunistic infections, extreme weight loss, chronic
fever, and malignancies.
5. Hepatitis B Unprotected sexual contact, sharing Acute presentation includes jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin), Receiving the highly effective Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) contaminated sharp instruments/ dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and right upper vaccine series. Avoiding reuse of needles
needles, and direct contact with quadrant abdominal pain. Can result in chronic liver failure, or unsterilized medical/piercing equipment.
infected blood or bodily fluids. cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma.
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SECTION 2: BACTERIAL INFECTIONS
INFECTION & CAUSATIVE
MEANS OF TRANSMISSION KEY CLINICAL SYMPTOMS & PATHOGENESIS PREVENTION & TREATMENT
AGENT
1. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Not strictly a traditional STI, but Thin gray, white, or greenish vaginal discharge accompanied Safe sex practices to stabilize vaginal
Opportunistic polymicrobial strongly linked to sexual activity and by a distinct, strong "fishy" odor (enhanced after intercourse), chemistry, avoiding vaginal douching, and
overgrowth (e.g., Gardnerella changes in partners, which disrupt local pruritus (itching), and dysuria. curative treatment via targeted prescription
vaginalis) the natural vaginal lactobacilli antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole).
microflora.
2. Chlamydia Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral Inflammation of the reproductive tract, abnormal mucopurulent Regular clinical screening, consistent
Chlamydia trachomatis sexual contact. penile or vaginal discharge, and localized pain during urination barrier protection, and a complete course of
or coitus. targeted oral antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin
*Note: Frequently completely asymptomatic, leading to silent or doxycycline) for both partners.
transmission and long-term Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).*
3. Syphilis Direct contact with infectious syphilis • Primary: A single, painless, indurated sore (chancre) at the Early serological screening, barrier
Treponema pallidum sores (chancres) during sexual site of inoculation. methods, and immediate curative therapy
(Spirochete bacterium) intercourse. • Secondary: Non-itchy, rough, brownish-red maculopapular using prescription injectable intramuscular
rash on palms and soles, with mucous membrane lesions Penicillin G.
and lymphadenopathy.
• Latent & Tertiary: Asymptomatic window followed years
later by systemic, life-threatening destructive lesions of the
CNS (neurosyphilis), cardiovascular system, and eyes.
4. Gonorrhea Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral Acute dysuria and thick purulent (yellow-green) discharge from Consistent barrier contraception and dual-
Neisseria gonorrhoeae sexual contact. the penis or vagina. Men may experience epididymitis/ antibiotic medical treatment regimens to
(Gram-negative diplococcus) testicular pain; women may suffer lower abdominal pain or counteract rapidly evolving antibiotic-
PID. Frequently asymptomatic in early stages. resistant bacterial strains.
5. Chancroid Highly contagious direct sexual Production of painful, necrotizing, ragged-edged ulcers on the Safe sex practices, barrier protection, and
Haemophilus ducreyi contact with active open lesions. genitalia, frequently accompanied by severe, painful swelling swift curative treatment using targeted
and suppuration of the inguinal lymph nodes (buboes). antibiotic courses (e.g., azithromycin or
ceftriaxone).
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SECTION 3: PARASITIC INFECTIONS
INFECTION & CAUSATIVE
MEANS OF TRANSMISSION KEY CLINICAL SYMPTOMS & PATHOGENESIS PREVENTION & TREATMENT
AGENT
1. Trichomoniasis Unprotected vaginal intercourse or • Women: Foul-smelling, frothy, green-yellow vaginal Consistent barrier protection during
Trichomonas vaginalis direct vulva-to-vulva contact. discharge, vulvovaginal irritation, erythema ("strawberry intercourse and curative treatment utilizing
(Flagellated protozoan) cervix"), and soreness. specific oral nitroimidazole antiparasitic
• Men: Urethral irritation, mild discharge, and transient medications (e.g., metronidazole).
burning sensations following urination or ejaculation.
2. Pubic Lice ("Crabs") Close physical, intimate, or sexual Intense, severe pruritus (itching) in coarse body hair zones— Avoiding personal contact or sharing linens/
Pthirus pubis contact. Can also spread via fomites primarily the pubic region, but can extend to the axillae, beard, clothing with infested individuals.
(Parasitic insect) such as contaminated towels, shared or eyebrows due to the parasites feeding on host blood. Visible Eradicated using specialized topical over-
clothing, or bed linens. nits (eggs) or lice. the-counter or prescription pediculicidal
washes; hot laundering of all linens.
3. Scabies Sustained, direct skin-to-skin contact Extreme, persistent nocturnal pruritus accompanied by an Avoiding physical contact with infested
Sarcoptes scabiei (common during sexual activity) or via erythematous papular rash and tiny, visible, linear tracks on individuals. Treatment requires a full-body
(Microscopic burrowing mite) prolonged contact with highly infested the skin where female mites burrow to deposit eggs (e.g., web application of a prescription topical
bedding, clothing, or furniture. spaces of fingers, wrists). scabicide cream (e.g., 5% permethrin) and
complete hot-water decontamination of all
fabrics.
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