During your first 5 weeks of clinical, you have probably had patients with vaginal complaints and possible infections. For this Assignment, you will choose three STIs (e.g., , HPV, , HIV, Then fill in the chart for all columns including presenting symptoms, physical findings, laboratory/diagnostic findings, and management or treatment. Do not leave any section blank.

Introduction

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a global health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. They pose significant health risks and can lead to various complications if not managed promptly and effectively. As healthcare professionals, it is crucial to have an in-depth understanding of different STIs, including their presentations, physical findings, diagnostic tests, and treatment options.

In this assignment, three common STIs will be discussed: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and Chlamydia trachomatis.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Presenting Symptoms:
– Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously without treatment.
– However, some individuals may present with genital warts, which appear as small fleshy growths or bumps on the skin around the genital area.
– In rare cases, certain high-risk strains of HPV can lead to abnormal cervical cell changes, potentially causing cervical cancer.

Physical Findings:
– Examination of the genital area may reveal the presence of genital warts.
– Genital warts can vary in size, shape, and color, ranging from small, flat lesions to larger, cauliflower-like masses.

Laboratory/Diagnostic Findings:
– HPV infections are primarily diagnosed through visual inspection and clinical examination for the presence of genital warts.
– Cervical cancer screenings, such as the Pap smear or HPV DNA testing, can help detect abnormal cervical cell changes associated with high-risk HPV strains.

Management/Treatment:
– There is no cure for HPV, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
– Genital warts may be treated with topical medications to remove visible lesions.
– In cases of abnormal cervical cell changes, further investigations may be required, such as colposcopy or biopsy, followed by appropriate management based on the severity of the findings.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Presenting Symptoms:
– Initial HSV infection (primary outbreak) is characterized by the development of painful blisters or sores in the genital area or oral mucosa.
– Patients may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and body aches, before the appearance of lesions.
– Recurrent HSV outbreaks manifest as prodromal symptoms (tingling, itching, or burning sensation) followed by the re-emergence of blisters or sores.

Physical Findings:
– During the primary outbreak, genital or oral lesions may be observed, which progress from tiny red bumps to fluid-filled blisters. These blisters rupture, forming shallow, painful ulcers that eventually crust over and heal.
– In recurrent outbreaks, the physical findings are similar to the primary outbreak, but the lesions tend to be less severe in intensity and duration.

Laboratory/Diagnostic Findings:
– HSV infections can be confirmed through laboratory tests, including viral culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and serological testing.
– Viral culture or PCR can detect the presence of HSV DNA in collected samples from active lesions or mucosal surfaces.
– Serological testing involves the detection of HSV-specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) in the blood, which can indicate prior exposure to the virus.

Management/Treatment:
– Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, can be prescribed to manage HSV outbreaks.
– Medications may be used episodically to treat individual outbreaks or as suppressive therapy to reduce the frequency and severity of recurrent outbreaks.
– Education on safe sexual practices and the importance of disclosing the infection to sexual partners is crucial to prevent transmission of the virus.

Chlamydia trachomatis

Presenting Symptoms:
– Many individuals with Chlamydia trachomatis infection are asymptomatic.
– When symptoms occur, they are often nonspecific and can include abnormal vaginal or penile discharge, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.
– In females, Chlamydia infection can cause inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) or lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if left untreated.

Physical Findings:
– Physical examination may reveal signs of cervicitis, such as cervical erythema (redness), friability (easily induced bleeding), or purulent cervical discharge.
– In cases of PID, abdominal tenderness and cervical motion tenderness (pain elicited with movement of the cervix) may be present.

Laboratory/Diagnostic Findings:
– Chlamydia infection is commonly diagnosed using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) on urine, self-collected vaginal swabs, or urethral swabs.
– Other diagnostic methods include culture, though this is less commonly used due to its lower sensitivity and longer turnaround time.

Management/Treatment:
– Treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection involves the use of antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline.
– Sexual partners should also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection.
– Regular follow-up is essential to ensure resolution of the infection and to screen for potential complications like PID.

Conclusion

Understanding the various STIs and their presentations is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Human Papillomavirus, Herpes Simplex Virus, and Chlamydia trachomatis are commonly encountered STIs and have distinct clinical features, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. By being knowledgeable about these infections, healthcare professionals can effectively address patients’ concerns and contribute to the prevention and management of STIs.