STDs caused By Viruses

Definitions Of STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are infectious diseases passed mainly by sexual contact. They are caused either by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and mostly affect the reproductive organs.

Viral sexually transmitted diseases are a group of diseases caused by viruses and transmitted by either sexual contact or other routes. They include HIV/AIDS, herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Contrary to bacterial STDs, they may not be curable, but their symptoms can be managed, and the dissemination can be avoided.

The understanding of viral STDs is important to the sphere of public health in that it helps not only to control their spread but also to find ways and means of improving the system of treatment and prevention and to reduce the general burden from these infections both on people and healthcare systems.

Common Viral STDs

The most common STDs caused by viruses are:

HIV/AIDS

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS.

• It attacks the immune system and leaves people more prone to various infections and diseases.

Herpes Simplex Virus, Or HSV

• HSV causes oral and genital herpes.

• This infection is characterised by the formation of painful sores and is one of the most highly communicable diseases.

Human Papillomavirus, HPV

• Human papillomavirus represents viruses which cause genital warts and can also cause cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.

Hepatitis B

• The Hepatitis B virus, HBV, causes an infection of the liver, resulting in chronic liver disease and increasing a person's risk for liver cancer.

Hepatitis C

• Hepatitis C virus replicates primarily in the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Risk Factors

• Direct contact: Most viral STDs are transmitted through sexual contact.

• Mother-to-child transmission: All viruses can be passed from infected mothers to babies during delivery or when breastfeeding.

• Blood transfusion and sharing needles: Some viral STDs, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, find their way into the system through infected blood or needles.

General Symptoms Of Viral STDs

• Early Signs: Sores, rashes, itching, and flu-like symptoms.

• Chronic health effects: Chronic infections are responsible for severe health complications, which could result in cancer, liver, or immune disorders.

HIV/AIDS

The detailed description is given below:

Structure And Life Cycle Of HIV

HIV belongs to the RNA-containing retroviruses. It integrates into the DNA of the host cell and replicates in host cells, which belong to the immunological system.

How does HIV disturb the immune system?

HIV attacks T-cells with the CD4+ marker and hence leads to a weakening of the immune system and the progression to AIDS.

Transmission And Prevention

• Transmission: By unprotected sexual contact, by needle sticking, and from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding.

• Preventive measures: Safe sex practices, use of Pre-exposure prophylaxis, and Post-exposure prophylaxis.

Diagnosis And Treatment

• Diagnostic tests: ELISA, Western Blot, and PCR tests are used to detect HIV infection.

• Antiretroviral therapy: ART helps manage HIV by reducing viral load and improving immune function.

• Current research and future directions: Research is targeted at finding a cure, improving ART, and developing vaccines.

Herpes Simplex Virus

The details are given below:

Types Of HSV

• HSV-1 and HSV-2 differ in the following: HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes, while HSV-2 causes genital herpes, although both can infect both sites.

• Epidemiology and prevalence: HSV-1 is very widespread and has a global distribution, whereas HSV-2 is endemic to definite areas or groups.

Symptoms And Diagnosis

• Common symptoms: Painful blisters or sores on the mouth (oral herpes) or genital area (genital herpes).

• Diagnostic methods: HSV infection is confirmed by PCR, viral culture, and serology tests. Treatment and Management

• Antiviral drugs: Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are applied to suppress the virus to minimize symptoms and reduce outbreaks.

• Outbreak management and asymptomatic shedding: Suppressive medication, alongside safe sex, keeps outbreaks at bay and prevents transmission.

Prevention Strategies

• Safe sex practices

• Research is currently underway to develop effective vaccines against HSV.

Human Papillomavirus

The details are given below:

Types of HPV

• There are high-risk types that cause cancers and low-risk types that cause genital warts.

Structure And Replication Cycle

• HPV is a DNA virus; it integrates into the host cell genome and changes cellular behaviour.

Symptoms And Health Consequences

• Genital warts: The low-risk HPV types cause small growths or lumps.

• HPV and cancer: High-risk types are linked with cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.

Vaccination And Prevention

• HPV vaccines include Gardasil and Cervarix against high-risk and low-risk types of HPV.

• Screening programs include Pap smear and HPV DNA tests for early diagnosis of infection and cancer.

Diagnosis And Treatment

• The Diagnosis of HPV Infections: Diagnosis is by Pap smears, HPV tests, and biopsy of abnormal lesions.

• Treatment of warts and precancerous lesions: Topical medications, cryotherapy, surgical removal

Hepatitis B and C

The details are given below:

Differences Between Hepatitis B And C

• Hepatitis B is passed through bodily fluids as opposed to Type C, which occurs with blood.

Transmission

• After coming into contact through direct sexual contact, from sharing needles, and after childbirth from mother to newborn baby.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Acute and chronic infections: Acute hepatitis often clears up by itself. Chronic hepatitis progresses to hepatic damage.

• Diagnostic approaches: Blood tests are taken to determine the degree of hepatic injury and the presence of the virus.

Treatment And Management

• Antiviral drugs: the interferons and direct-acting antivirals for Hepatitis B and C

• Liver disease and lifestyle interventions: regular follow-up, and lifestyle changes, such as abstaining from drinking alcohol, are very essential.

Prevention

• Hepatitis B vaccine: there is a very effective vaccination against Hepatitis B infection.

• Safe behaviour and screening: 'not sharing needles and have regular tests for early detection.'