What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

Sexually transmitted infections are viruses, bacteria or parasites that can cause a disease or sickness.

What is the difference between Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a sexually transmitted infection showing signs and symptoms of the viral, bacterial or parasitic organism which has been caught. Hence, in the case of a sexually transmitted infection the person infected does not experience the symptoms of the infection; instead, in the case of a sexually transmitted disease, the person experiences symptoms of the pathogen such as unease, sickness, pain …

What are the most commonly known sexually transmitted infections?

The most commonly known sexually transmitted bacterial infections are:

1. Chancroid which is caused by Haemophilus Ducreyi

• 2. Klebsiella Granulomatis which is caused by Granuloma Inguinale knownas Donovanosis
• 3. Gonorrhea which is caused by Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
• 4. Shypilis which is caused by Treponema Pallidum
• 5. Chlamydia which is caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis

The most commonly known sexually transmitted viral infections are:

1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes AIDS
2. Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus and in some rare cases Hepatitis D virus which occurs only when a patient is already infected with Hepatitis B
3. Herpes Simplex virus (types 1 & 2)
4. Human Papilloma virus known as HPV
5. Molluscum Contagiosum virus known as MCV

The most commonly known sexually transmitted parasitic infections are:

1. Sarcoptes Scabiei which causes Scabies
2. Phtirus Pubis which causes crabs (Crab Louse)

The most commonly known sexually transmitted Fungal infection is the “Yeast Infection” caused by Candidiasis or Thrush which is a mycosis technically known as Candidosis, Moniliasis and Oidiomycosis.

The most commonly known sexually transmitted Protozoal infection is the Vaginal Trichomoniasis which is caused by the protozoa Trichomonas Vaginalis.

How are these infections transmitted?

Sexually transmitted infections are communicable primarily through person-to-person sexual activities. They can sometimes spread through blood transfusions and tissue transfer from an infected person to a non-infected. Some of these pathogens are transmitted by direct skin contact, deep kissing as well as through saliva when it is used as a sexual lubricant. They can be even transmitted through IV drug needles (drug injection), sharing of tattoo needles, and rarely through needle stick injuries.

Some STIs such as HIV and Syphilis can be transmitted through genital fluids from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth.

Who are the main at-risk populations beside sexually active people?

1. Drug users sharing needles

• 2. Hemophiliacs
  3. Medical workers pierced during a medical procedure
  4. People sharing tattoo needles or piercing materials