Microbiology of Genital Tract Infection

Sexually transmitted diseases can generally also be transmitted via inanimate objects.

The normal vaginal pH is between [blank_start]4-4.5[blank_end]

Which of the three following organisms are commensal bacteria in the vagina?

The most common type off Candida is called Candida [blank_start]Albicans[blank_end]

Candida Albicans is [blank_start]more[blank_end] responsive to treatment than non-candida albicans

[blank_start]Non-Candida Albicans[blank_end] is rare and usually found in immunosuppressed people

Poorly controlled [blank_start]diabetes[blank_end] is a significant risk factor for symptomatic candida albicans infection.

Candida Albicans [blank_start]is not[blank_end] typically spread via sexual contact; it [blank_start]is not[blank_end] an STI

An uncomplicated Candida Albicans infection should be treated with an antifungal called [blank_start]Clotrimazole[blank_end] in the form of a cream to be applied internally.

Which type of anaerobic gram positive bacteria, rife in the vagina, utilise glycogen in order to produce lactic acid thus protecting against the growth of infective organisms in the vagina? [blank_start]Lactobacillus[blank_end] bacteria

[blank_start]Bacterial vaginosis[blank_end] is a disease of the vagina caused by excessive growth of its commensal bacteria.

Bacterial Vaginosis is not considered an STI however is more frequently found in women who are sexually active.

What is the most common bacterial STI in the UK?

If a doctor suspected a vaginal infection due to 'a positive whiff test', which infection is most likely present?

Presentations of Vaginal Infections: [blank_start]Bacterial Vaginosis[blank_end] = White creamy discharge often giving off a potent 'fishy' smell [blank_start]Chlamydia Trachomatis[blank_end] = Usually asymptomatic [blank_start]Neisseria Gonorrhoea[blank_end] = Thin, purulent, yellowish discharge [blank_start]Syphilis[blank_end] = Present with a painless ulcer known as a chancre

In the whiff test for bacterial vaginosis, 10% solution of which chemical is added to increase the potency of the smell?

Bacterial Vaginosis is mainly associated with which pathogen?

As Bacterial Vaginosis is a anaerobic infection, it is usually treated using which drug? [blank_start]Metronidazole[blank_end]

Chlamydia has 3 serological groupings: Serovars A-C = [blank_start]Trachoma (non-STI eye infection)[blank_end] Serovars D-K = [blank_start]Genital Infection[blank_end] Serovars L1-L3 = [blank_start]Lymphogranuloma Venereum[blank_end]

The treatment plan for Chlamydia infections is 100mg [blank_start]Doxycycline[blank_end] twice daily for [blank_start]7[blank_end] days

Upon gram staining, chlamydia is typically found to be gram positive.

Testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea is done using the same clinical testing. Which 2 of the following investigative modalities are most commonly utilised for these infections?

Males being tested for chlamydia & gonorrhoea have their [blank_start]first-pass urine[blank_end] tested. Females being tested for chlamydia & gonorrhoea will have [blank_start]a vulvo-vaginal swab[blank_end] taken.

Intensely itchy white vaginal discharge tends to be indicative of ...

Neisseria Gonorrhoea is a gram [blank_start]negative[blank_end] [blank_start]intracellular[blank_end] diplococcus

Chlamydia Trachomatis infection is much more common than Neisseria Gonorrhoeae infection.

Neisseria Gonorrhoea infection of the pharynx is common is women and MSM and is almost always asymptomatic.

All patients with Gonorrhoea infection are now treated in secondary care due to the high incidence of antibiotic resistance. They are treated with [blank_start]intramuscular[blank_end] [blank_start]Ceftriaxone[blank_end]

Infection of the prostate (prostatitis) can occur in women and MSM. This typically presents with the same symptoms as a UTI. This is is typically treated by a four week course of the drug [blank_start]Ciprofloxacin[blank_end]

In terms of Syphilis, when the chancre heals this means that the syphilis has cleared and there is no longer an infection present.

Tenesmus (and bloody diarrhoea) alongside symptoms of an STI is typically indicative of ...

Serological tests for Syphilis: [blank_start]Specific tests[blank_end] = Positive for syphilis infection, however not useful in monitoring therapy [blank_start]Non-specific tests[blank_end] = Indicate tissue inflammation, useful for monitoring response to therapy. Usually become negative following syphilis treatment

Serological tests for Syphilis: Specific Tests = [blank_start]E.g. TPPA & TPHA[blank_end] Non-Specific Tests = [blank_start]E.g. RPR & VDRL[blank_end]

[blank_start]IgM & IgG ELISA[blank_end] testing is used as the screening test for syphilis and provides a good indicator of early disease.

Of the two immunoglobulins in the ELISA syphilis test, [blank_start]IgM[blank_end] is the good indicator for early disease

Syphilis infection is typically treated by [blank_start]Penicillin G[blank_end]

Genital Herpes tends to be caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type [blank_start]2[blank_end]

A person presenting with shallow ulcers around the vagina which are excruciatingly sore are likely to have which of the following conditions?

The best investigative test for genital herpes is [blank_start]viral PCR[blank_end]

Pubic lice cause the pubic hair on the mons pubis to become intensely itchy. It is typically treated with [blank_start]Malathion[blank_end] lotion