Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections - Types, Testing, Symptoms & Treatment

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact. Bacterial STIs are caused by bacteria and can often be treated effectively with antibiotics if detected early. Understanding the types, testing methods, symptoms, and treatments of bacterial STIs is crucial for maintaining sexual health.

Types of Bacterial STIs

Several common bacterial STIs include:

Chlamydia

• Caused by: Chlamydia trachomatis
• Prevalence: One of the most common STIs worldwide, particularly among young adults.
• Transmission: Through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Gonorrhea

• Caused by: Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Prevalence: Highly prevalent, with increasing rates of antibiotic-resistant strains.
• Transmission: Through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Syphilis

• Caused by: Treponema pallidum
• Prevalence: Cases have been rising globally, with significant impacts if left untreated.
• Transmission: Through direct contact with a syphilitic sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

1. Mycoplasma genitalium
   • Caused by: Mycoplasma genitalium
   • Prevalence: An emerging STI, increasingly recognized as a cause of urethritis and cervicitis.
   • Transmission: Through vaginal and anal sex.

Testing for Bacterial STIs

Testing is crucial for the early detection and treatment of bacterial STIs. Common testing methods include:

1. Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs)
   • Highly sensitive and specific.
   • Used for detecting chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Mycoplasma genitalium.
   • Samples can be collected from urine, vaginal swabs, or other genital sites.
2. Blood Tests
   • Used primarily for detecting syphilis.
   • Includes Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test and Treponema Pallidum Particle Agglutination (TP-PA) test.
3. Culture Tests
   • Gonorrhea can sometimes be diagnosed through bacterial cultures.
   • Helps determine antibiotic resistance.
4. Physical Examination
   • Visual inspection of sores or discharge may indicate an infection, particularly for syphilis.

Symptoms of Bacterial STIs

Symptoms can vary depending on the specific infection and may not always be present. Common symptoms include:

1. Chlamydia
   • Often asymptomatic.
   • Painful urination, abnormal genital discharge, and pain during intercourse.
2. Gonorrhea
   • Similar to chlamydia, it is often asymptomatic.
   • Burning sensation when urinating, white, yellow, or green genital discharge.
3. Syphilis
   • Primary stage: Painless sores at the infection site.
   • Secondary stage: Skin rashes, mucous membrane lesions.
   • Latent and tertiary stages: Severe damage to organs, nerves, and blood vessels.
4. Mycoplasma genitalium
   • Urethritis in men: Discharge, painful urination.
   • Cervicitis in women: Vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse.

Treatment of Bacterial STIs

Most bacterial STIs can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Treatment depends on the specific infection:

1. Chlamydia
   • Azithromycin or doxycycline are commonly prescribed.
   • Partner treatment is essential to prevent reinfection.
2. Gonorrhea
   • Combination therapy with ceftriaxone and azithromycin due to antibiotic resistance.
   • Retesting recommended to ensure eradication.
3. Syphilis
   • Penicillin is the treatment of choice.
   • Dosage and duration depend on the stage of infection.
4. Mycoplasma genitalium
   • Azithromycin or moxifloxacin, though resistance, is an emerging concern.
   • Test-of-cure is recommended due to potential treatment failure.

Prevention and Follow-up

Preventing bacterial STIs involves safe sexual practices, regular screening, and education:

• Use condoms consistently and correctly.
• Get regularly tested if sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners.
• Notify and treat partners to prevent reinfection and further spread.
• Complete the entire course of antibiotics even if symptoms resolve.

Conclusion

Bacterial STIs are a significant public health concern, but they are manageable with early detection and appropriate treatment. Awareness, regular testing, and safe sexual practices are key to controlling and preventing these infections. If you suspect you have a bacterial STI or have been exposed, seek medical advice promptly for testing and treatment.