STDs caused By Viruses

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted sexually, and are generally caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, etc. The viruses included Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).

These viral STDs can be transmitted through sexual contact, and other means such as sharing infected needles, blood transfusions, etc. These can pose serious long-term health issues. STDs caused by viruses are an important topic in the biology subject.

What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) 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 STDs caused by bacteria, they may not be curable, but their symptoms can be managed, and the dissemination can be avoided.

This Story also Contains

1. What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?
2. Common Viral STDs
3. HIV/AIDS
4. Herpes Simplex Virus
5. Human Papillomavirus
6. Hepatitis B and C
7. MCQs on STDs caused by Viruses

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

Viral STDs are caused by viruses that spread through sexual contact and include infections such as HIV/AIDS, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Hepatitis B and C. These infections often require long-term management. The most common STDs caused by viruses are:

HIV/AIDS

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

• It attacks the immunity and 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 around the gonads and can also cause cervical 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

HIV attacks the immune system, weakening the body’s defence against infections. If untreated, it progresses to AIDS, where the immune system is severely compromised. 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 for vaccination purposes.

Herpes Simplex Virus

HSV causes painful blisters or sores, typically around the mouth or genital area. It can remain dormant in the body and reactivate periodically. 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 such as Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are applied to suppress the virus to minimise symptoms and reduce outbreaks.

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

Prevention Strategies

• Safe sex practices

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

Human Papillomavirus

HPV is a common STD that may cause genital warts and is linked to cervical cancer. Many infections resolve naturally, but some can persist and cause complications. 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 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

These viruses affect the liver and can be transmitted sexually or through blood contact. Chronic infection may lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. 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 essential.

Prevention

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

• Safe behaviour and screening: Not sharing needles and having regular tests for early detection.

MCQs on STDs caused by Viruses

Q1. Which viral STD is known as the "silent infection"?

Option 1: Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Option 2: Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Option 3: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Option 4: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Correct answer: (1) Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Explanation:

The viral STD known as the "silent infection" is a) Human papillomavirus (HPV). This is because HPV often has no symptoms, and people may not even know they have it. However, HPV can cause serious health problems, such as genital warts and certain types of cancer. It is important to get regular Pap tests and HPV tests to detect and treat any HPV-related health issues early. Additionally, the HPV vaccine can prevent infection with the most common types of HPV that cause genital warts and certain cancers.

Hence, the correct answer is Option (1) Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Q2. Which virus causes hepatitis C?

Option 1: Hepatitis A virus

Option 2: Hepatitis B virus

Option 3: Hepatitis C virus

Option 4: Hepatitis D virus

Correct answer: (3) Hepatitis C virus.

Explanation:

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that mainly damages the liver, inflaming it and possibly even causing permanent liver damage. Before 1992, when blood screening was adopted, the virus was transferred via direct contact with infected blood, such as when sharing needles or other injecting equipment, obtaining a blood transfusion, or receiving an organ transplant. It can also spread sexually, however, this is less typical.

Separate viruses are responsible for causing hepatitis A and B, while hepatitis D is a virus that can only infect those who have already contracted hepatitis B. The hepatitis C virus (HCV), a blood-borne virus that can cause both acute and chronic infection, is what causes hepatitis C. Hepatitis C can be treated, but there isn't a vaccination to prevent it at this time.

Hence, the correct answer is Option (3) Hepatitis C virus.

Q3. Which viral STD can cause genital sores and blisters?

Option 1: Chlamydia

Option 2: Gonorrhea

Option 3: Herpes

Option 4: Syphilis

Correct answer: (3) Herpes

Explanation:

Herpes is a viral STD that can result in genital sores and blisters. It is brought on by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can produce uncomfortable and frequent outbreaks of blisters or sores on or near the mouth or genitalia. Other symptoms including itchiness, burning, or flu-like symptoms may also be present in addition to these sores. Antiviral drugs can help manage outbreaks and lower the risk of transmission to others even though there is no known cure for the chronic viral infection known as herpes.

Hence, the correct answer is Option (3) Herpes

Also Read:

• Medical Termination of Pregnancy MTP

• Intrauterine Insemination

• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection