How to treat female infectious diseases. Viral diseases of the female genital organs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a whole group of diseases that have a negative impact on the genitourinary, reproductive and other body systems. The danger is represented by pathogenic microorganisms that can be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person during sex, through blood, and in very rare cases, by household means.

Types of genital infections

There are 20 major types of sexually transmitted infections, all of which pose a health risk. Very often, the patient does not even realize that he is infected, since such diseases have a latent incubation period, during which no symptoms are detected. This situation leads to the transition of the initial stage of the disease into a chronic one.

All infectious diseases are divided into three types according to the type of pathogen:

Diseases caused by microbes - syphilis, gonorrhea, soft chancre, inguinal lymphogranulomatosis.
Diseases provoked by the protozoan protozoan species of microorganisms, the most common of which is trichomoniasis.
Viral lesions - HIV, hepatitis, herpes, cytomegaly.

Each ailment has its own symptoms and ways of introducing the infection:

Syphilis. It is transmitted, both sexually and domestically, through blood, saliva and seminal fluid, possibly placental infection of the child from the mother. The main symptoms are skin rashes, ulcers, myalgia, headache, an increase in white blood cells and a decrease in hemoglobin. Read about the analysis for syphilis.
Chancroid (soft chancre). Infection occurs only during sexual contact. The disease is characterized by the development of purulent processes covering the nearest lymph nodes. External signs - non-healing ulcers with serous contents and edema around the circumference. The lesion covers the area of the prepuce in men, the labia in women. With non-traditional types of sex, damage to the oral cavity and anus is possible.
Trichomoniasis. Infection occurs during sexual intercourse, less often during household contacts. In women, the disease manifests itself in the form of hyperemia and itching of the mucous tissues of the vagina, discharge with an admixture of foam and an unpleasant odor. In men, this is difficult, painful urination, frequent false urge to go to the toilet.
Gonorrhea. The infection is transmitted during sex, through personal items of the patient, when the baby passes through the birth canal. In men, the main symptoms are inflammation of the urethral canal, pain during urination, and purulent discharge. If the pathogen penetrates the prostate gland, erection may decrease. Gonorrhea in women is manifested by profuse discharge of pus, pain and burning when emptying urine. Read more about gonococcal infection (gonorrhea).
. It differs by the latent nature of the flow and, in fact, has no external manifestations. The main symptoms appear only when the form is advanced and are expressed in pain, itching of the genital organs in a woman, and the same symptoms in a man during urination. Ways of infection - sexual contact, the use of linen and hygiene items of a sick person, transmission from mother to child during gestation and childbirth.
Candidiasis. It has typical manifestations in the form of inflammation of the mucous membranes of the genital organs and mouth, severe itching, intense secretions of a cheesy nature. The infection can develop as a result of sexual intercourse, with prolonged use of antibiotics.
Human papillomavirus. For infection, penetration into the body by sexual and domestic means is typical. External signs - genital warts and warts on the mucous tissues of the reproductive organs and anus. Some varieties are especially dangerous - they lead to oncology of the breast and cervix in women.
Ureaplasmosis. It is transmitted to the baby during childbirth, sexually. Expressed signs are often absent; in men, the infection provokes the development of prostatitis with typical symptoms - pain, pain, difficulty urinating.
Cytomegalovirus. Infectious agents are introduced into tissues through sperm, female, vaginal secretions, and are capable of infecting a child during fetal development. Symptoms are mostly absent.
Inguinal lymphogranulomatosis. Spread occurs through sexual contact. In men, the head of the penis is affected, in women, the labia and vagina. Bubbles and ulcers appear at the sites of infection. As the pathology develops, the cervical, inguinal and submandibular lymph nodes increase.
Gardnerellosis. It is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, although in some cases the virus can be introduced by household means. Since the pathogen actively suppresses the vital activity of lactobacilli, a person may experience problems with digestion and disruption of normal defecation.
Mycoplasmosis. It is more common in women during unprotected sex, causing kidney dysfunction, inflammation of the urethra and vagina.
Hepatitis (B and C). The infection has different ways of penetration - through blood, saliva, semen, breast milk. Symptoms of infection can be a decrease in appetite, fatigue, pain in the liver, aching joints, dark urine, bouts of nausea.
. A common, practically incurable disease, transmitted both sexually and by domestic means. Due to the fact that the pathogen not only has the ability to penetrate human DNA, it is introduced into the nerve fibers of the spine, where it remains, becoming inaccessible to interferons and antibodies of the immune system. Being in a latent state, the virus is activated with any signs of a decrease in the body's defenses. Rashes are localized on the lips, mucous membrane of the cheeks, eyes, in the genital area, on the genital genitalia in women and men. Rashes disappear, most often, after 20-30 days.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Ways of infection - through the blood, sexual intercourse (see more details about). Symptoms of infection in the acute phase are high fever, chills, joint and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, rash, intestinal upset, vomiting, and headache. For some time, the disease may not progress, continuing to destroy the immune system, after which the patient's well-being worsens.
AIDS. A serious sexually transmitted disease. The main routes of transmission are oral and anal intercourse. The immunodeficiency syndrome has the following primary symptoms - high fever, general weakness, increased sweating, regular headaches, myalgia. Often there are signs of intoxication - nausea, urge to vomit, difficulty in breathing.
Pubic pediculosis. The peculiarity of the disease is the transmission not only through sexual contact, but also through underwear and bed linen. Typical symptoms are severe itching, skin hyperemia in the area of the scalp.
Molluscum contagiosum. In addition to sexual relations, the disease is transmitted through underwear, bed linen, household items, when applying a tattoo, through microtrauma in close contact. The skin disease is expressed in the form of rounded papules - nodules that increase in size over time and merge with each other, forming a vast affected surface.
Epidermophytosis (inguinal fungus). Ways of infection - intimacy, close household contacts, the introduction of infection through cosmetics and personal hygiene. A typical symptom of the disease is severe itching, rashes in the form of pink papules in the scrotum, penis in men, in the armpits, genitals, buttocks, the inside of the knee and under the breasts in women.
Scabies. The introduction of the scabies mite occurs with prolonged contact, including during coitus, when the patient's skin comes into contact with healthy epidermis. The main manifestations are intense itching, which becomes unbearable in the evening and at night, when the activity of the pathogen increases. Localization of rashes - genitals, lumbar, buttocks, chest, feet, inner thighs, armpits.

Sometimes there is a defeat of several types of pathogens at once. This situation is typical for people who are promiscuous in their intimate relationships, who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Lack of reliable contraceptives and weak immunity increase the risk of infection.

In this video, the venereologist talks in detail about the types of genital infections, how they affect the organs, what symptoms they have and how to deal with them effectively.

And these are only the most common infections provoked by various pathogenic microorganisms. Each case will require an individual approach to treatment and drugs that are effective for a particular pathogen.

Causes of infection

The reason for the development of sexual infections is the penetration into the body of pathogenic viruses, bacteria, protozoa, unicellular organisms, fungi.

Basic prerequisites:

Lack of quality contraceptives.
Casual sexual relations with unfamiliar partners.
Insufficient personal hygiene.
Donation and blood transfusion in case of accidents, operations, transplantation.
Lack of timely treatment of infection before conception and during pregnancy.

However, there are always factors that contribute to infection. And, first of all, it is immunity weakened for various reasons. Alcohol abuse, an unbalanced diet, poor in the content of essential vitamins, mineral compounds and microelements, constant stressful situations, physical overload lead to the fact that the immune system cannot cope with the pathology on its own.

Sexual infections lead not only to poor health, but also to serious consequences - infertility, impotence, death.

Diagnostics

An accurate diagnosis requires laboratory tests and the use of medical equipment. But any visit to the doctor begins with the collection of anamnesis and examination of the patient. Today, there are so many varieties of pathogens that bakposev and smear studies are clearly not enough to get a reliable result.

Diagnosis in men is carried out using the following methods:

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly informative examination method that makes it possible to identify the type of pathogen by its DNA in the biomaterial from the secretion of the prostate gland, urethra, semen and blood. Also, the method allows you to choose the right antibiotic for this virus. For examination, the patient is taken material from the urethral canal.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a method by which antibodies to specific infectious organisms can be found in a blood test.
Immunofluorescence is a laboratory blood test that provides maximum information about the protective forces of the male body, autoimmune disorders, endocrine system failures, and hematopoietic pathologies.

For the examination of women, in addition to PCR and bacteriological culture, the following is carried out:

serological blood test to recognize antigens;
histological examination of the tissues of the uterine cavity and cervical canal;
a clinical blood test for hemoglobin content, the level of erythrocytes and leukocytes.

These methods are the main ones, but other diagnostic procedures are applied if necessary. Research allows you to choose an adequate, comprehensive treatment.

Complex treatment

Treatment of infectious diseases is individual for each patient and is complex. In addition, patients are registered in a venereal institution until they are completely cured. The course is assigned to both the patient and his partner.

Therapy of genital infections in men and women involves the rejection of sexual relations and the use of a complex of drugs:

antibacterial agents in the form of tablets and injections;
analgesics and antispasmodics for painful urination, headache, muscle, lumbar pain;
anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve swelling, irritation, hyperemia of the skin of the mucous membranes;
if necessary - antifungal medicines;
vitamins and immunomodulators to improve immunity;
medicines for external use in the form of ointments, creams for rashes and ulcers.

The most effective against pathogenic bacteria and viruses are antibiotics of groups:

Penicillins - Ampicillin, Amoxicillin.
Nitroimidazole - Trichopolum, Metronidazole.
Aminoglycosides - Neomycin, Spectinomycin.
Macrolides - Clarithromycin, Erythromycin.
Fluoroquinolones - Ofloxacin.
Tetracyclines - Doxycycline, Tetracycline.

Medicines are selected individually, as they can cause an allergic reaction. Antibiotics are used no more than 2-7 days in a row as directed by a doctor. In more detail about antibiotics that are used in the fight against sexual infections -.

Separately, it should be said about the treatment of papillomavirus infection. This is a lifelong disease and you can only drown out its manifestation. More about it.

Among other things, for sexual infections, rectal / vaginal suppositories are prescribed in combination with other agents that help relieve inflammation, reduce pain and swelling. These include:

antimicrobial suppositories Betadine, which stop inflammation;
with trichomoniasis, the antibacterial drug Metronidazole is effective;
Pimafucin is highly effective - vaginal suppositories for women with antifungal action.

Of the immunostimulating agents during general therapy, drugs such as Cycloferon, Genferon are used. For women, douching is prescribed, and for men - baths with a solution of potassium permanganate, Chlorhexidine.

In this video, the venereologist talks in detail about the treatment of genital infections. Which drugs are better, how to properly build a treatment system.

In severe conditions, inpatient treatment is indicated under constant supervision. In the early stages of the disease, the patient can be treated at home as directed by a specialist, observing the regimen of taking the necessary drugs, and sometimes bed rest.

Preventive measures

In order to prevent infection, the following rules should be followed:

use of condoms and contraceptives in women;
periodic examination by a gynecologist and urologist;
if necessary, vaccinations;
observance of intimate hygiene;
the use of antiseptic solutions for suspected infection within a few hours after intercourse;

Sexual (vaginal) infection, or vaginitis, is an inflammation of the vagina that results in abnormal discharge, odor, irritation, or itching. Vaginitis is not easy to detect because it has many different causes. To treat itching, discharge, and discomfort caused by this infection, women use various non-prescription drugs.

... cycle. Hygiene practices, hygiene maintenance, and health education will limit transmission infections. Infection- this is the introduction of pathogens into the tissues of the host body, their reproduction, as well as the reaction of tissues ...

The most common symptoms of various forms of vaginitis are vaginal discharge, itching and burning. Although the symptoms of these infections can be very similar, there are some differences in the color and smell of the discharge.

Some vaginal discharge is normal for women of childbearing age. Normally, the glands of the cervix produce a cleansing mucous secretion that flows out of the body, mixing with bacteria, detached cells of the vagina and the Bartholin's gland of the vaginal vestibule. These substances give the mucus a whitish color depending on the amount of mucus, and the secretions turn yellow when exposed to air. During the menstrual cycle, there are periods when the glands of the cervix produce more mucus than others, depending on the amount of estrogen produced. This is fine.

In women, sexual arousal and emotional stress also affect normal vaginal discharge. Such secretions are a transparent substance, similar to mucus.

If your discharge has changed in color, such as turning green, accompanied by an unpleasant odor, changes in consistency, or has increased or decreased significantly, then you may be developing a form of vaginitis.

Bacterial vaginosis can be the cause of pathological discharge with an unpleasant odor. Some women have a strong fishy smell, especially after sexual contact. The discharge is usually white or gray in color and may be runny. This may be accompanied by burning when urinating or itching in the vaginal area, often both. Some women have no symptoms of bacterial vaginosis at all.
yeast infection or candidiasis leads to a thick, white-gray "curdled" discharge and is accompanied by itching. There may be severe itching in the genital area. This often causes pain during urination and sexual intercourse. Vaginal discharge may not always be. Men with genital candidiasis may have an itchy rash on their penis. In men, this infection does not cause any symptoms or other infections.
Trichomoniasis causes frothy vaginal discharge that may be yellow-green or gray, accompanied by itching and irritation in the genital area, burning during urination, which is often mistaken for urinary tract infections. During intercourse, discomfort and an unpleasant odor may appear. Because trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease, symptoms may appear within 4 to 20 days after sexual contact. Symptoms are rare in men, but if they are, it may be a thin, whitish discharge from the penis, pain, or difficulty urinating.
Pain itself is not a common symptom of vaginal infections other than itching. But this is a sign that you need to see a doctor.
If you have vulvodynia, it may be accompanied by burning, sharp pain, irritation, sores on the genitals, but no infection or skin disease of the vulva or vagina. The pain may come and go. This is a completely different disease that requires further measures and consultations with a doctor.

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek medical attention if you have pain. Although vaginal infections can cause unpleasant itching, they do not cause pain.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection for the first time, unless you are sure it is a yeast infection. And if you are sure, then you need to undergo a course of treatment with over-the-counter drugs. But if the symptoms do not go away after such treatment, then you may have a yeast infection.

Although a yeast infection is uncomfortable, it is not a life-threatening illness. But you need to see a doctor. Moreover, seek medical attention if you have:

Vaginal discharge yellow and foul-smelling
Pain in the abdomen or lower back
Nausea or fever
Symptoms return within two months

Other pelvic disorders with similar symptoms should be checked for by contacting an emergency room physician. Seek medical attention if the following symptoms are present:

If vaginal discharge is accompanied by fever, nausea or abnormal pain, or if there is blood in the discharge, then this is not considered a normal menstrual period - you should go to the emergency room.
If the symptoms have not shown improvement after three days, the discharge continues in large quantities or if the initial symptoms have worsened.
You have greenish or profuse discharge or fever.
You are taking antifungal medications for yeast infections, your skin and eyes have turned yellow (the whites of your eyes), or you have pale stools.
Pathological changes and rashes appear everywhere, that is, painful, red, purulent bumps that can spread to the thighs and anus.
There was dizziness.

Tests for vaginal infections

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical examination. Most likely, you will need to pass urine and smears of secretions for analysis.

You may be asked the following questions:

When did the first symptoms appear? Were there any changes in discharge during the month?
What do these secretions look like? What color and texture are they? Is there a smell?
Do you have pain, itching or burning?
If there is a sexual partner, does he also complain about discharge from the penis?
How many sexual partners do you have?
Do you use condoms?
What relieves the symptoms of discharge? How often do you take baths? Have you taken over-the-counter drugs? Do you douche?
What other symptoms do you have?
What drugs do you take for other diseases?
Have you changed the detergents and soaps you use?
Do you often wear tight underwear, trousers or jeans?

During a pelvic exam, the doctor examines the vagina and cervix for discharge and inflammation. During a pelvic exam, your doctor will determine the size and location of your uterus and cervix, and determine if you have pain or tenderness to movement in or around your cervix and uterus, which corresponds to your fallopian tubes and ovaries.

A speculum is inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix. A swab of any discharge is taken to determine whether a woman's infection is fungal (thrush), protozoal (trichomoniasis), or bacterial (bacterial vaginosis). The laboratory then examines a sample of vaginal discharge under a microscope to determine the presence of microorganisms that cause vaginal infections.
In some cases, a Pap test is done to rule out the possibility of cervical cancer. For this test, a swab is sent to a laboratory and the results are available within a week.

You may be scheduled for a colposcopy or biopsy if your doctor determines that your cervix is abnormal. Colposcopy uses a light microscope to get a magnified view of the surface of the cervix. In the case of a biopsy, tissue samples are taken for analysis.
Some blood tests may show the presence of antibodies to yeast, an infection that causes candida white. This test is not very reliable and is only necessary if the infection affects the entire body of the patient.
If trichomonas is found and it is confirmed by laboratory tests, the doctor may prescribe more tests to detect other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Treatment of genital infections in women

Diagnosis is usually made based on symptoms and results of urinalysis and vaginal microflora cultures, that is, smears examined in the laboratory. Treatment is given based on the type of organism causing the infection. Depending on the cause of the infection, the doctor may prescribe vaginal suppositories, antifungal tablets, or antibiotics in the form of tablets or injections. Treatment varies and depends on the type of vaginitis, the severity, duration and frequency of the infection, and whether you are pregnant.

Treatment at home

Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis will not go away if you treat yourself with over-the-counter medications. This requires antibiotics. You need to see a doctor.

Only a yeast infection can be treated with over-the-counter drugs. If you have never had such an infection and you think you have, it is important that your doctor make a diagnosis before you start self-treatment or over-the-counter medications. Usually, the first case of a yeast infection should be treated by a doctor.

If you have a second infection and you are sure it is a yeast infection, you can self-treat with over-the-counter medications such as miconazole (trade name Monistat, etc.) and vaginal antifungals.
With the availability of over-the-counter medications, many women self-identify that they have a yeast infection. Although in fact, about two-thirds of all drugs for yeast infections bought in pharmacies were used by women who did not really have one. The use of drugs when they are not needed can lead to resistance of the infection. Such infections are very difficult to treat with modern drugs. If in doubt, consult a doctor.

Many modern over-the-counter drugs are designed for mild disease. The success rate for OTC treatments is 75%-90%.
The drugs are sold in the form of vaginal suppositories or creams. They are inserted into the vagina with an applicator, usually every day for a week. Higher dosages can be resorted to only for 1-3 days. Most women can treat a yeast infection at home with the following medications:

Miconazole (Monistat-7, M-Zole)
Thioconazole (Vagistat Vaginal)
Butoconazole (Femstat)
Clotrimazole (Femizol-7, Gyne-Lotrimin)

Massage these products into the vagina and apply to the surrounding tissues for 1-7 days, or insert the suppository into the vagina according to the form and instructions. In case of increasing irritation on the application area, immediately stop taking the drug.
If you are pregnant, seek the advice of a doctor before using the drug.
If symptoms persist for more than 1 week, see your doctor. You may have a more severe yeast infection or another condition that has symptoms similar to those of a yeast infection.

Home treatments for infections in women have been used for many years, although scientific studies have not confirmed their effectiveness.

Douching with vinegar. Although women douche for cleansing after a menstrual period or sexual intercourse, doctors do not approve of this method. The vagina is designed in such a way that it cleans itself. Douching can also flush out healthy bacteria from the vagina. Trying to treat abnormal vaginal discharge with douching can make your condition worse. In case of abnormal discharge, do not douche without notifying your doctor and do not douche 24 hours before your doctor's appointment.
Eating yogurt that contains live lactobacillus acidophilus or the same bacteria in capsules. Yogurt creates an environment for certain beneficial bacteria to thrive. Despite popular belief, studies on the benefits of eating lactobacillus acidophilus in preventing the development of a yeast infection have come up with controversial results. The benefits of eating yogurt cultures have not been scientifically proven.
Other retail products contain antihistamines or local anesthetics, which only mask symptoms and do not treat infections in women.

Medicines for genital infections

Bacterial vaginosis: Your doctor may prescribe the antibiotics metronidazole (Flagyl) or clindamycin (Cleocin). Usually, male partners are not treated for such a disease. Many women with symptoms of bacterial vaginosis do not seek medical attention, and those who do not have symptoms do not receive treatment. This disease does not go away on its own without treatment.
yeast infection: If you have a yeast infection for the first time, then you need to consult a doctor before starting home treatment with over-the-counter drugs. Usually, the doctor recommends the use of vaginal creams and other products more often than oral drugs. Pregnant women with such an infection are treated longer and under close supervision.

More severe infections require antifungal medications, which are usually taken orally in one go. This may be fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs have a success rate of over 80% and can be given for 3-5 days. Drugs can lead to liver disorders. Symptoms of the disorder in some cases may be yellow skin and eyes, pale stools. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. He, most likely, will immediately stop taking the drugs, send him for a blood test and prescribe a liver function test.
In cases of less severe infection in women, vaginal tablets or creams with an applicator may be prescribed. An example would be nystatin (Mycostatin) with a treatment success rate of around 75% - 80%. The success rate of treatment with Miknazol (Monistat-7, M-Zole) and clotrimazole (Miselex, Gyne-Lotrimin) is about 85%-90%.
In some cases, a single dose of the drug has shown efficacy in the treatment of yeast infection. In other cases, a longer intake of the drug from 3 to 7 days may be prescribed.
If the infection occurs intermittently, i.e., more than 4 times a year, then it may be necessary to use drugs such as fluconazole and itraconazole orally or clotrimazole for vaginal administration for 6 months.
Pregnant women require a longer course of treatment. It is very important to consult your doctor before starting treatment.

Trichomoniasis: Metronidazole is prescribed for trichomoniasis. It is usually taken in a single dose. Do not drink alcohol while taking this drug because in some cases these two substances can cause severe nausea and vomiting. This drug is prescribed to both partners, even if they do not have symptoms of this disease.

Aftercare

If you have a diagnosis of vaginitis, then make sure that the genital area remains clean and dry. Take a shower instead of a bath. It will also prevent future infections. During the course of treatment, do not douche or use feminine hygiene products in the form of aerosols. Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment.

After returning from the doctor, refrain from sexual intercourse until the treatment is completed and the symptoms subside.

Further observation

Ask your doctor for the results of your cervical tests and Pap tests. It is recommended to undergo a complete physical examination every year, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

The chemical balance in the vagina is very sensitive, so it's best to let the vagina cleanse itself. This cleansing process occurs naturally through the secretion of mucus. It is best to clean the outside of the vagina with warm water and mild, unscented soap while bathing or showering. Products such as intimate soaps, powders and sprays are not necessary at all, they can even be harmful.
Douching is rinsing or cleansing the vagina by squirting water or another solution into the vagina, such as a vinegar solution, baking soda, or a douche that you can buy at a pharmacy. Water or solution is sold in a bottle and injected into the vagina using a special device with a nozzle. Although douching is often used by women in the US, doctors do not recommend this procedure for vaginal cleansing. Douching changes the sensitive chemical balance of the vagina, making it more likely for women to develop vaginal infections. Studies show that women who douche frequently are more likely to develop vaginal infections than those who do not douche at all or very infrequently.
Douching does not help prevent pregnancy, it is not necessary to do it after sexual contact.

Prevention of genital infections in women

The best way to prevent bacterial vaginosis is not yet known. However, bacterial vaginosis has been associated with a change in a woman's sexual partner or with the presence of several partners. This disease is rarely found in women who have never had sexual intercourse. The main methods of preventing the disease include the use of condoms, limiting the number of partners, refraining from douching, using all prescribed drugs, even if the symptoms have disappeared.
In most cases, a yeast infection can be easily prevented.

Keep your vagina dry, especially after showering.
After using the toilet, wipe from front to back.
Wear looser cotton underwear.
Change your swimsuit after swimming.
Do not wear tight jeans or tights.
Pregnant women should seek medical attention immediately if any symptoms appear.
Do not use deodorized tampons, they contain chemical irritants. Do not douche or use feminine hygiene products. Regular bathing is usually sufficient to cleanse the vagina.

Trichomoniasis is also preventable. If you have been diagnosed with this infection, your partner should also be tested. He or she may also have other sexually transmitted diseases and there is a possibility of reinfection if the partner is not treated. Safer sex with condoms and counseling about sexually transmitted diseases can help reduce the risk of infection and re-infection.

Prognosis for sexual infections

With the right diagnosis and treatment, all forms of vaginitis usually respond well to treatment, with symptoms decreasing and disappearing altogether. If the symptoms do not go away or return again, then it is necessary to re-examine the doctor.

Bacterial vaginosis is associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, which leads to infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Bacterial vaginosis can lead to preterm labor and low birth weight babies. Your doctor will monitor you closely if you are pregnant or if you have already had a preterm birth. Bacterial vaginosis poses a risk for gonorrhea and HIV infection.
Trichomoniasis has been associated with an increased risk of HIV transmission, as well as with the birth of children with low body weight, premature birth.

UreaplasmosisMixed infections

Viral infections

Back in the 1980s. WHO (World Health Organization) has announced that at present almost every person is a potential carrier of such a dangerous virus as herpes.

Herpes

Herpes is a lifelong virus. A husband can leave you, a lover can get tired of you, and you will leave him yourself, the children will grow up and go their own way, but only the true herpes will forever remain with you. Once settled in your body, herpes lives in it to the end. It may not manifest itself in any way, sit quietly in your body in a latent state.

Since the beginning of the 90s. 20th century In Russia, the incidence of genital herpes in women has dramatically increased. This disease most often affects young women aged 18-28 years. The causative agent of herpes is in the body of a healthy person, and its transformation depends on many individual characteristics, in particular on the state of human immunity. It is generally accepted that herpes can be contracted through sexual contact with a sick person who has herpes diseases in the active stage. According to modern American researchers, the greatest number of infections occurs in the so-called prodromal period, i.e. when there are no visible manifestations of the disease, and only a slight itching in the genital area can bother a person.

Infection with herpes can occur not only through sexual contact, but also through personal items: a towel, sheets, soap, washcloths, etc. Today there is every reason to believe that the herpes virus is contained in saliva, tears, blood, urine, semen and cerebrospinal fluid . More recently, the herpes virus has been detected in the breast milk of women suffering from genital herpes. In infected women, the herpes virus provokes a miscarriage at an early stage of pregnancy, less often this happens at a later stage. The herpes virus is second only to rubella in its killer effect on the fetus. 70 out of 100 newborns die from herpes encephalitis. The virus can enter the child's body not only with mother's milk, but much more often infection occurs through the birth canal, through the placenta. This is possible even at the time of conception, since the herpes virus can also be present in semen. Surviving babies often suffer from severe brain dysfunction. With intrauterine infection with herpes, various lesions of the fetus are possible - from hidden carriage to intrauterine death.

In case of primary infection with the herpes virus, the signs of the disease appear 5-7 days after infection in the form of limited redness on the skin or mucous membrane and the formation of blisters with transparent contents in this place. Then the bubbles open up, and ulcers appear in their place, which, merging, form rather extensive wound surfaces. In place of the ulcers, a crust is formed, under which the ulcerative surface heals completely without leaving scars. Local lymph nodes are often enlarged due to ongoing inflammation. Far advanced disease can lead to the formation of extensive superficial ulcers of the external organs of a woman.

In women, the disease begins with the onset of pain in the lower abdomen and in the genital area, urination disorders, pus-like discharge from the vagina. Herpes appears on the external genitalia and is accompanied by itching and other unpleasant sensations. Often the body temperature rises, there is a headache and muscle pain that lasts for several days, and then disappears. Bubbles with a clear liquid appear at the site of the rash, gradually merging into clusters, which on the 2nd-3rd day turn into painful sores that heal approximately on the 7th-8th day. Not only the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix, but also the skin of the perineum, buttocks and thighs in the area of the hip joints can be affected. In this case, the inguinal lymph nodes may increase, and the so-called herpetic cystitis may also occur - frequent and painful urination. If herpes settled on the cervix, the disease in this case is asymptomatic. In total, from redness to healing of the sore, it takes about three weeks. The disease is most often paroxysmal in nature: after the sores have passed, a period of so-called imaginary well-being begins, which after some time (several weeks or years!) Is replaced by a new exacerbation. This is due to the fact that during the latent period, the virus seems to sleep in the cells of the peripheral nervous system (in the ganglia), until it leaves its shelter under the influence of environmental factors. A variety of factors can remove the herpes virus from nerve cells: hypothermia, overheating, menstruation, pregnancy, a large dose of alcohol, mental trauma, infectious diseases of any nature, as well as individual factors of the body. From the nerve cells along the nerve endings, the virus moves to various parts of the female genital organs. Often, herpes leads to the appearance of clusters of condylomas, similar to rounded warts, which, growing, can take the form of cauliflower and are localized in the area of the external genitalia, perineum and anus. Condylomatosis is treated by cauterization with specific substances or electrical impulses, less often by freezing with liquid nitrogen.

If you feel the first signs of the disease (itching, weakness), refrain from sexual intercourse or be sure to use a condom. It must be used further within 4 weeks after the end of the exacerbation of the disease. At the first suspicion of a herpes infection, be sure to contact. This should be done as soon as possible, primarily because the sooner you start treatment, the easier the disease will proceed and the less exacerbations there will be later.

Herpes is a significant threat to human health. English scientists have proven that this common disease can provoke in women:

1) cervical cancer;

2) miscarriage;

3) congenital deformities and severe eye damage in newborns.

The disease can provoke the development of neurosis, lead to depression.

Now it is necessary to discuss the question: should you tell your sexual partner about your illness? There is no single opinion on this matter. It would seem that sincerity is the key not only to stronger relationships, but also to mutual health. However, the high probability of being abandoned if the partner finds out about the disease makes many silent. Such a message does not necessarily cause an immediate break in relations, but given that genital herpes is not yet curable, the reaction can be unpredictable. Be sure to take into account the fact that you can consciously reward your partner with an infection for life. This fact, of course, can complicate your relationship. Naturally, the question will arise of how to properly prepare a person close to you to receive such news. Obviously, before the start of sexual relations, there is no urgent need to talk with your lover about your suffering. But you should definitely do this, especially if you are absolutely sure that your relationship is "seriously and for a long time." It is important to realize that the discussion of such painful intimate issues is not something obscene, but rather a matter of life. Be sure to convince your partner to go to a consultation with a doctor, from whom you can learn all about the herpes disease, about measures to protect against it, as well as treatment, if necessary.

Of all the drugs that have recently been used to treat herpes, the first should be called the drug Zovirax (Acyclovir or Virolex), which, like a sniffer dog, finds and blocks the reproduction of the virus only in affected cells and does not affect healthy ones. Even infants and pregnant women can be treated with this medicine. No wonder its creator Gertrude Elion was awarded the Nobel Prize.

This medicine can be taken not only during the period of exacerbation, but also for the continuous treatment of herpes for a sufficiently long time, gradually reducing the dose. Unfortunately, Zovirax only kills momentary manifestations of the disease, but does not have a significant effect on the duration and frequency of exacerbations. In addition, this drug should not be taken for more than three years in a row. Alpizarin and oxolin ointments have an effective external effect. In the treatment of herpes infection, one should not forget about the so-called maintenance treatment, which consists in taking vitamin preparations, such as complivit, vitrum, centrum, vitatress. In general, drug treatment of herpes consists of a combination of antiviral agents, interferons, immunomodulators and the use of local agents in the form of ointments. Herpes of the female genital organs, especially if it worsens and bothers you, must be treated with a special antiviral drug acyclovir, immune drugs are additional in the treatment of this disease.

Gardnerellosis

The causative agent of the disease is gardnerella (Gardnerella vaginalis). This is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism, that is, peacefully dormant in our body until conditions favorable for its aggression arise. This microbe was discovered in the middle of the 20th century. in women who suffered from frequent inflammation of the vagina. Since then, scientists have divided into two camps. Some argue that it is a saprophyte microbe, that is, it does not cause disease. Others believe that it is the source of the disease. Modern research has found this microorganism in men who suffer from inflammation of the urethra and prostate gland.

In women, all the inhabitants of the vaginal mucosa are in a state of dynamic equilibrium. Beneficial microorganisms, in particular lactobacilli, inhibit the growth of harmful microbes, and they do not manifest themselves in any way, but when beneficial bacteria begin to die, out-of-control gardnerella begin to multiply rapidly. They try to occupy the entire habitat. There is a real fight for survival. This can occur when the body's defenses are reduced as a result of the flu, viral infections and other infectious diseases. These diseases facilitate the penetration of various infections into the body of a woman, including gardnerellosis. Immunity is also weakened by the use of antibiotics. The balance of microorganisms can be disturbed during hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy and during menopause, when the amount of hormones produced decreases. All this entails an imbalance between the normal microflora of the vagina and opportunistic microbes. In other words, the causes of gardnerellosis are in many ways similar to the causes of candidiasis (mycosis). Infection with gardnerellosis is possible through sexual contact. In the event that bacteria fall on favorable soil, they begin to multiply rapidly.

Gardnerella does not affect the general condition of the body. Warning symptoms can be itching and burning, as well as the appearance of yellow-green mucus with a putrid odor, sometimes reminiscent of the smell of not quite fresh fish. In addition, a woman with this infection may suffer from inflammation of the urethra, which is manifested by frequent and painful urination. Untreated gardnerellosis is fraught with unpleasant consequences and is a risk factor for serious infectious diseases of the pelvic organs. Therefore, if such symptoms appear, immediately consult a gynecologist.

To maintain the strength of the body, take vitamin and mineral complexes, such as centrum, vitrum, complivit, etc. Consult your doctor, perhaps he will recommend you immunal or echinacea tincture to correct immunity.

Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus belongs to the same group of viruses as herpes. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), almost 90% of people carry cytomegaloviruses, but only a few get sick - those who have the virus activated, or those who have become infected with the activated virus. That is, the picture resembles the situation with tuberculosis, which is not without reason called a social disease - it manifests itself in malnourished, often ill, weakened people. The disease was described more than a hundred years ago and was called the "kissing" disease, since the route of infection was assumed to be through saliva. Only much later it was proved that the disease is also transmitted through sexual contact, from a pregnant woman to a fetus, and even through close household contacts. Cytomegalovirus indeed mainly settles in the salivary glands and some other organs of the human body, such as the kidneys. Infection occurs by airborne droplets, contact, household, sexual contact. It is also possible to become infected through a blood transfusion.

Very often, cytomegalovirus occurs under the guise of an acute respiratory disease, giving the same symptoms - fever, runny nose, swelling of the throat, as well as an increase in cervical lymph nodes, possibly an increase in the spleen and liver. Cytomegalovirus infection differs from the usual acute viral infection by the duration of the course - up to 4-6 weeks. Often this infection is observed in a localized (local) form, when only the salivary glands are affected. Usually such a disease proceeds unnoticed, and only in the future, with a thorough questioning, the patient can remember such an episode in her life when infection could occur.

Cytomegalovirus has the ability to cross the placenta and infect the fetus. Infection is also possible in the birth canal. Such infected pregnant women usually do not carry the fetus or give birth to a dead baby. The virus is transmitted to infants through mother's milk. In children, cytomegalovirus, in addition to influenza-like symptoms, is often manifested by pneumonia, damage to the gastrointestinal tract and even endocrine glands, such as the adrenal glands, pituitary gland. With intrauterine infection, fetal death often occurs. Therefore, repeated cases of death of the fetus or newborn make one suspect cytomegalovirus in a woman. If the child was born alive, then his liver and spleen are enlarged, increasing jaundice, anemia and other blood disorders are noted. Damage to the nervous system is manifested by seizures, impaired brain function, and mental retardation. The optic nerves may be affected. Very often, this virus poses a mortal danger to newborns. That is why it is so important to exclude contacts of pregnant women with patients with cytomegalovirus infection, and at the very beginning of pregnancy, it is imperative to undergo an examination for this disease. It is necessary to be treated for cytomegalovirus infection, otherwise a lethal outcome (death) is possible in women of childbearing age, especially if the immune system has failed.

AIDS

By now, HIV infection is an epidemic. According to experts of the joint UN program, there are more than 32 million HIV-infected people in the world. Over 10 million have already died of AIDS. More than 200,000 HIV-infected people are registered in Russia. Of these, one third of patients AIDS. Children die of AIDS every year. According to statistics, by the end of 2002, 313 children had died.

HIV infection is perhaps the only infection of all sexually transmitted infections, the incidence of which in Russia is lower than in developed countries, and even more so in African countries. True, in recent years we have seen a sharp increase in the incidence of this virus, and this despite all the preventive measures. A pronounced increase in the number of HIV-infected people is still observed among drug addicts, and not through sexual contact. The defeat of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is most often observed in the most active childbearing age and, unfortunately, is lifelong. HIV infection occurs with disability and dooms infected patients to inevitable death. Before talking about AIDS, it is necessary to understand the concepts of “AIDS, HIV and HIV infection”, which are constantly confused in everyday life. So, HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus, the causative agent of HIV infection. HIV infection is an infectious disease, the final stage of which is AIDS.

AIDS is a syndrome of acquired immunodeficiency (syndrome - a set of signs, acquired - resulting from HIV infection, immunodeficiency - lack of body defenses). At this stage of HIV infection, a person becomes defenseless against the action of various microbes, and even the most harmless of them turn into deadly enemies.

HIV is the most intelligent virus in the world, it is stronger than the herpes virus. Once in the blood, it programs the T-cells, in which it settles itself, to produce more and more new viruses. Those occupy other cells, and this chain reaction eventually leads to the complete destruction of the body's immune system. This process may take long years(from 3 to 10 years) and is initially asymptomatic. But sooner or later, this hidden process reaches a critical point, when enough T-cells have already been destroyed - and then any infection causes the onset of its symptoms. AIDS is spreading in densely populated cities.

The only and most constant source of AIDS infection are infected people and virus carriers. HIV is found in high concentrations in blood, semen, menstrual fluid, and vaginal secretions, and is also found in breast milk, saliva, tear and cerebrospinal fluid, and feces. The leading role in infection is played by the contact route, in particular sexual, as the most common, and contact-blood (through infected instruments, whether it be syringes, needles for injections, tattooing, ear piercing, etc.). Most often, people now become infected through intravenous drug use using shared syringes, needles and containers for washing them. It is also possible to infect a child during passage through the birth canal or through breast milk during feeding. Cases of infection of mothers through sick children are known, that is, in general, it can be said that HIV infection occurs when material containing the virus enters directly into the blood or mucous membranes.

Particularly dangerous are people from the so-called risk groups.

The first risk group consists of homosexuals and bisexuals (people who satisfy their need for sexual intercourse through contacts with both male and female persons). The mucous membrane of the rectum is easily injured during sexual intercourse, which contributes to infection. A bisexual who becomes infected through homosexual contact can pass the virus on to his wife or other women.

The second risk group includes drug addicts who inject drugs with a syringe into a vein. With group use of the syringe, infection is guaranteed.

The third risk group is made up of prostitutes. In the US, between 20 and 40% of American prostitutes are HIV positive. In some African countries, from 60 to 80% of the representatives of the "oldest profession" are infected.

The fourth risk group is people with various serious diseases who often have to transfuse donor blood. The blood of donors began to be tested for AIDS only in 1985. Now all donor blood is specially processed, so there is no need to be afraid of infection during blood transfusion.

And finally, the fifth risk group is made up of people living in areas where AIDS is most common (in West and Central Africa), as well as people whose sexual partners are HIV-infected.

AIDS is not transmitted by household means. Remember that HIV infection is not transmitted:

1) through a handshake;

2) when sneezing or coughing;

3) when using common utensils;

4) with bites of insects and animals;

5) during medical examinations;

6) when swimming in pools and reservoirs;

7) when washing clothes;

8) when using a shared toilet;

9) in public places with crowds of people;

10) through kisses (with a healthy mucosa) and hugs.

And knowing all this, do not forget that discrimination against HIV-infected people at work and at home is unacceptable, moreover, it is condemned by law.

HIV is unstable. Outside the human body, it quickly dies. At a temperature of 55-60 ° C, the virus is destroyed after 20 minutes, and at boiling - in a minute. Hydrogen peroxide solution, ethyl alcohol and some other disinfectants destroy HIV. Thus, conventional decontamination measures should be effective. This gives hope, doesn't it? Nevertheless, it is necessary to know the main symptoms of the disease.

The incubation period lasts from 2-3 weeks to 2 months, and sometimes up to 5 years (which is why HIV infection is classified as hidden). The primary manifestations of the disease are characterized by fever (body temperature rises to 39 ° C), angina, swollen lymph nodes are possible (lymph nodes in the back of the neck, under the collarbones, under the elbows, under the armpits and under the jaws are especially often enlarged). Sometimes pain in the muscles and joints develops, rash appears on the skin; the liver and spleen may be enlarged. But sometimes there are no primary manifestations at all, and this stage of AIDS is asymptomatic. After this, the stage of secondary diseases begins. It is characterized by asthenic syndrome, decreased mental and physical performance, night sweats, weight loss and subfebrile temperature. This phase lasts from 3 to 7 years, and several clinical forms of AIDS can already be distinguished in it, depending on the leading organ damage (pulmonary form, gastrointestinal, cerebral or brain, disseminated or skin form).

Each person must take responsibility for his own life. If, according to our legislation, an HIV-positive person is criminally responsible for the spread of infection, this does not mean that each person is not responsible for his own health. This is especially important in the context of an emerging pandemic. Everyone should think about how he relates to the problem of AIDS, what he does so that it does not affect either himself or the people close to him.

Every person can avoid contracting AIDS if he understands the danger that threatens him and is capable of strict self-control. Prevention measures include:

1) education in children of a culture of sexual relations, honesty, cleanliness;

2) abstaining from sexual relations before marriage;

3) refraining from sexual intercourse while intoxicated and under the influence of drugs, when it becomes extremely difficult to control one's behavior;

4) it is necessary to remember that cuts, small wounds or abrasions on the skin are not contaminated with bodily secretions of other people, since HIV infection is present in tears, saliva, sweat, vaginal fluid, semen, blood;

5) knowledge that the condom itself is not sufficient protection against HIV infection, and therefore some other antiseptic must be used along with it, for example, povidone-iodine ointment; women need to use balls with the same ointment;

6) with an unfamiliar partner, engage only in safe sex, which includes mutual masturbation, hugs and dry kisses;

7) avoidance of particularly deep kisses with the exchange of saliva at the same time;

8) testing yourself for HIV infection and requiring your sexual partner to do the same (such tests are now carried out everywhere and free of charge, which can be found in any district clinic);

9) avoiding oral sex, especially with unfamiliar partners, since HIV infection can enter the body even through the most subtle rashes of herpes simplex, through weak gums, and a sore throat.

Preventive measures against AIDS can be conditionally divided into state and personal. Personal measures for the prevention of AIDS have already been mentioned above, and the following can be attributed to state ones:

1) promotion among the population of knowledge about the ways of transmission of HIV infection, possible factors and sources of infection and personal prevention measures;

2) creation of a system for the timely detection of HIV-infected people and the adoption of measures to prevent the spread of the disease (organization of special services, wide consultation of the population, public access to research);

3) measures to prevent the transmission of HIV through donor organs, blood, tissues;

4) creation of material and technical base for HIV diagnostics;

5) development of legislative acts.

If you want to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections, avoid casual sex. Much depends on you, your position in life. Your health is in your hands!

← + Ctrl + →
UreaplasmosisMixed infections

Viral genital infections are a group of diseases that have an infectious and inflammatory nature, and are caused by specific microorganisms - viruses. Today, there are a huge number of viruses in the world. Some of them do not have any effect on a person, some can cause various diseases, and other viruses do not have visible effects, since their presence can be detected in the body, but the condition of this individual does not change for years.

Among the variety of viruses, only a very few are capable of causing sexual infections in a person. So, the following diseases belong to viral sexual infections:

HIV infection (AIDS) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/HIV).
Genital herpes - caused by the herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2, Human herpesvirus 2).
Papillomas and warts of the genital organs are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV / HPV, Human Papillomavirus).
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV/HBV).
Cytomegaly - caused by cytomegalovirus (Cytomegalovirus, CMV).
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a subtype of the smallpox virus.
Kaposi's sarcoma.

Persistence of the virus in the body and features of its vital activity

In order to understand the features of viral infections, including sexual ones, it is necessary to clearly understand the features of the vital activity of this microorganism.

A virus is a completely unique microorganism that consists of genetic material (DNA or RNA) covered with a protein coat. The DNA or RNA chain of a virus is small, ten times smaller than a human one. The protein shell of the virus protects the genetic material of the microorganism from any negative factors that can lead to the destruction of the structure of the genetic material. In the environment, the virus is in an inactive state (as if sleeping).

When a virus enters the human body, it immediately enters the cell, since it is not able to feed and multiply on its own. The virus feeds on those substances that enter a certain cell. At this point, the viral agent becomes active. But in order to reproduce, it needs to penetrate the cell nucleus, integrate into the human DNA chain and make it work for itself.

Since the human cell contains all the organelles and enzymes necessary for life, the virus, not having its own similar structures, uses them. Thus, the virus forces the host cell to work for itself.

The following happens: the DNA of the virus is integrated into the human genes, and makes it read information from this particular hybrid site. The host cell's enzymes copy the genetic material of the virus and produce the proteins needed to build its envelope. After a few such cycles, the host cell dies, since all of its resources are dedicated solely to reproducing the virus. At this moment, many chains of the genetic material of the virus compactly self-fold and "turn around" in a protein shell. When the host cell finally dies and its shell ruptures, many newly formed viruses are released into the blood, lymph and extracellular matrix. The viral particles then enter new, healthy cells, and the cycle repeats.

The release of viruses into the blood coincides with the appearance of symptoms of infection, and the period of reproduction of the microorganism inside the host cell is called persistence. During the period of persistence, a cell infected with a virus changes its properties. The immune system is able to recognize and destroy such dangerous structures. If there is a weakening of the immune system, then the cells infected with viruses are not recognized and not destroyed, which leads to the active phase of the infection, manifested by clinical symptoms.

The complete destruction of viruses in the body is almost impossible, therefore, once infected, a person will have the persistence of a microorganism for the rest of his life. The activity of the immune system determines the periods of remission of the infection (when everything is fine and there are no symptoms) and exacerbation (when clinical symptoms appear). Remission can last for years if the immune system copes with the attack and recognizes the affected cells in time, preventing the virus from multiplying. Any failure in the work of immunocompetent cells leads to a recurrence of the infection.

Each virus has an affinity for certain tissues of the body - that is, the place where the microorganism settles. For example, herpes virus type 2 settles in the cells of the sacral nerve plexus, and herpes virus type 1 - in the cells of the trigeminal nerve. Therefore, herpesvirus type 2 causes symptoms on the genitals, buttocks, and thighs, while herpesvirus type 1 causes lesions on the lips, nose, forehead, cheeks, or ears.

Ways of transmission of viral sexual infections

Consider the possible ways of transmission of viruses that can cause sexual infections.

HIV infection (AIDS)

This dangerous infection appeared for the first time quite recently - only 30 years ago. However, over the past two decades, HIV infection has spread across the globe. Today, there is not a single country where a certain number of people with HIV infection have not been registered. Currently, there is no way to completely cure HIV, therefore, the principles of prevention are the basis for the fight against the disease. It is the need for competent preventive measures that explains the importance of a clear knowledge of the ways of transmission of HIV infection.

Transmission of HIV infection is possible only from a sick person to a healthy one. The virus can be in any biological environment of the body - blood, saliva, semen, milk, mucus and tears.

Main route of HIV infection is unprotected sexual intercourse of any type (vaginal, anal or oral) with an infected person. The most dangerous from the point of view of HIV infection is anal intercourse without a condom, since the epithelium of the rectum is very thin, which contributes to the formation of microcracks and easy entry of the virus into the blood. Because of this, homosexuals make up about 70-75% of all HIV-infected people. Having any other sexually transmitted infection greatly increases the risk of contracting HIV.

The second possible route of HIV infection - it's bloody. Infection occurs when using contaminated donated blood, or as a result of repeated use of instruments that come into contact with blood without proper processing. Today, all donors are tested for HIV, but if the blood was taken urgently, then there is a certain risk. Recycling of unprocessed or disposable instruments by health care workers should be discouraged, as this can lead to HIV infection. Infection with instruments is possible in the following situations:

any injections;
endoscopic manipulations (gastroscopy, etc.);
dental procedures;
childbirth;
shaving at the barbershop;
manicure or pedicure in beauty salons.

Most often, the blood route of HIV infection is observed in drug addicts who inject drugs (for example, heroin) and use the same syringe for several people.

The third route of transmission of HIV infection - these are any forms of using infected donor material (in vitro fertilization, organ and tissue transplantation, stem cell therapy, etc.).

Fourth way of HIV transmission - this is the infection of a child by a sick mother during pregnancy, during childbirth and breastfeeding. The greatest risk of infection of the child is during childbirth.

HIV infection is never transmitted through household contacts, by drinking and eating from the same dish, and is not carried by insects.

genital herpes

This infection is also called genital herpes. Herpes is very widespread in the human population. So, according to WHO estimates, today almost 90% of the world's population are virus carriers, but only 25-30% develop a disease with clinical symptoms. The herpes virus remains in the human body until death, causing periodic attacks against the background of malfunctions in the immune system.

Infection with the herpes virus occurs when any biological medium containing a microorganism comes into contact with an entire mucous membrane or an area of damaged skin (cracks, scratches, microtraumas, etc.). Thus, the herpes virus is able to penetrate through the mucous membrane of the vestibule of the vagina, urethra and cervical canal, or through the injured skin. The herpes virus can be transmitted both sexually and by household. Children can become infected from a sick mother during pregnancy and childbirth.

At the point of entry into the body, viral particles begin to multiply in host cells, which leads to the appearance of small bubbles. After reproduction, the viruses enter the bloodstream and lymph flow, from where they penetrate the nerve cells. Further along the nerves, the virus reaches the plexuses, where it lives until the death of a person. The virus can move along the processes of nerve cells, which does not allow the immune system to destroy it.

To prevent infection with the herpes virus, you can use a special vaccine.

Papillomas and condylomas are pathological benign growths of the tissues of the genital organs (men and women) in the form of warts, protrusions, clusters, etc. Today, almost 100 varieties of human papillomavirus have been identified, of which 34 have an affinity for the anus and genitals. Some varieties of human papillomavirus (types 16 and 18) significantly increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Infection with the human papillomavirus is possible with close contact of the skin and mucous membranes of two people, one of whom is a carrier of the microorganism. Most often, infection with the human papillomavirus occurs during sexual intercourse of any type (vaginal, anal, oral). Homosexuals are infected more often than people with a traditional sexual orientation. Infection is also possible through close tactile contact (handshakes, touching various parts of the body, etc.), which is often found in everyday life (family close contacts) or during examinations in medical centers.

Children can become infected from a sick mother during pregnancy and childbirth. Often, human papillomavirus causes intrauterine damage to the larynx in a child.

Hepatitis B

There are several main routes of transmission of the hepatitis B virus:

Blood path. Infection is possible by transfusion of infected blood, as well as by sharing various items with piercing and cutting functions (for example, a manicure set, needles, a razor, etc.). Infection occurs when drugs are injected with a single syringe, when tattooing, piercing the earlobes or other parts of the body (piercing), as well as during various medical procedures.
Sexual way. Any sexual intercourse without a condom can lead to hepatitis B infection.
Household path. Since viral particles penetrate into urine, feces, saliva and tears, infection is possible if these biological fluids come into contact with injured skin. Most often, this route of infection occurs in children.
vertical path. In this case, the hepatitis B virus is transmitted from a sick mother to her child during pregnancy and childbirth.

Cytomegalovirus infection (cytomegaly)

This sexually transmitted infection is also called inclusion disease, a generalized viral infection of the salivary glands. Cytomegalovirus has a very high contagiousness, and is transmitted by almost all known ways:

Contact and contact-household: infection occurs in close domestic relationships.
Airborne: Infection occurs by inhalation of air containing viral particles.
Fecal-oral: this route of infection is called "unwashed hands", that is, infection occurs in a situation of neglect of the rules of hygiene.
Blood: infection occurs when using piercing and cutting objects, blood transfusion, etc.
Sexual: infection occurs through sexual contact of any type.
Intrauterine: a child is infected from a sick mother during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

molluscum contagiosum

The pathogen virus is transmitted through close household contacts, for example, using the same hygiene items, toys, touching, etc. Children can become infected in public places - swimming pools, saunas, etc. Also, molluscum contagiosum can betray during sexual intercourse of any type.

Kaposi's sarcoma

This disease is caused by a microorganism from the herpes virus family, which is characterized by the following infection routes:

Sexual: the risk is especially high with anal intercourse, kissing and licking the anus.
Contact household: the virus can be transmitted through close bodily contact (hugs, kisses on the lips and various parts of the body).
Blood: infection occurs through contact with blood (manipulations with stabbing instruments, including medical ones, etc.), as well as during organ and tissue transplantation.
Intrauterine: an infected mother can theoretically infect a child during pregnancy and childbirth. However, this route of transmission of the virus is extremely rare.

Tests for viral sexual infections

Viruses are very small organisms that cannot be detected by the naked eye or by traditional diagnostic methods (smear, bacteriological inoculation). To detect a virus in the human body, modern and accurate research is required, which include the following:
1. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies to any virus.
2. Immunoblotting (Western Blot).
3. Various PCR options (real-time PCR, reverse transcription PCR).
4. Direct immunofluorescence.
5. Cultural method (growing the virus in cell culture).

Symptoms of viral genital infections

HIV infection (AIDS)

HIV infection occurs in four stages. From the moment of infection to the development of the disease, a long period of time can pass - up to 10 years. The essence of HIV infection is that the virus suppresses the cells of the immune system, leading it to complete failure, as a result of which a person falls ill with many different pathologies that lead to death.

I stage HIV infection is called the seroconversion period. During this period, there are no specific signs, but a few weeks after infection, a fever attack may occur. The fever resembles a banal acute respiratory viral infection. It is characterized by the following symptoms:

weakness;
night sweats;
digestive disorders (loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea);
pain in the joints, muscles, throat;
headache;
a slight increase in lymph nodes, especially inguinal;
skin pathology (rash, peeling, dandruff, exacerbation of herpes).

These symptoms are occasionally accompanied by meningoencephalitis, peripheral nerve pathology, and irritability. Blood tests show:
1. Decrease in the number of neutrophils and lymphocytes.
2. Increase in ESR.
3. AST and ALT activity.

II stage HIV infection is characterized by complete well-being and the absence of any symptoms. A person lives a normal life, not noticing any changes, but a virus can already be detected in the blood. This stage can last up to 10 years.

III stage HIV infection is called generalized lymphadenopathy. During this period, the lymph nodes, especially the cervical and axillary, increase significantly. Against the background of a violation of the immune system, candidiasis is formed, which are not amenable to therapy and last for many years.

IV stage HIV infection is actually AIDS. During this period, the immune system becomes completely untenable, cannot protect against pathogenic microbes and the processes of tumor degeneration of tissues. A person constantly suffers from the following diseases:

pneumonia;
cryptococcosis;
tuberculosis;
histoplasmosis;
skin diseases (pustules, boils, lichen, etc.);
hepatitis;

In parallel, the progression of oncological diseases begins, among which Kaposi's sarcoma and B-lymphoma are most common.

AIDS has the following symptoms:

constantly elevated body temperature;
severe weight loss;
pathology of the respiratory system (pneumonia, tuberculosis);
pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (stomatitis, diarrhea, etc.).

Patients with AIDS are susceptible to other pathologies, among which the following are most common:

neurological symptoms;
violation of sensitivity;

genital herpes

The first signs of genital herpes usually appear a few days after infection. The very first manifestation of genital herpes is the most severe and prolonged, in contrast to relapses, which are mild.

The symptoms of genital herpes are similar to those of the flu:

heat;
weakness.

Together with these symptoms, herpetic eruptions appear in the form of small vesicles on the mucous membranes and skin of the genitals, buttocks, thighs, perineum and anus. In women, herpetic eruptions can form on the mucous membrane of the vagina, cervix, or urethra, which provokes soreness and other urination disorders. The skin acquires a bright red color, and small bubbles form on the surface, which constantly itch, cause excruciating itching and pain. After some time, ulcers form at the site of the vesicles, dragging on with a crust and completely healing within 2-3 weeks.

It is impossible to establish the duration of remission or effectively predict the development of recurrence of genital herpes. However, there are a number of factors that can trigger a relapse:

stress or nervous tension;
freezing;

As a rule, with recurrences of genital herpes, rashes form in the same place where they appeared earlier. 12-24 hours before the appearance of blisters on the skin, a person may feel a feeling of itching and burning, slight swelling, weakness and a slight increase in body temperature.

Sometimes there is an atypical course of genital herpes. In this case, there is only one sign of infection, such as swelling of the skin, itching in the affected area, or blistering. In this situation, the person is the source of the infection, and can spread the disease without being aware of it.

Papillomas and genital warts

Papillomavirus infection is manifested by the formation of warts and papillomas, which are located on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital and urinary organs (urethra, perineum, labia, anus). Condylomas may not bother a person, but may cause irritation, itching and pain when making movements. They can grow to large sizes (several centimeters), or they can resemble common warts.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can develop against the background of a complete absence of clinical signs, or it can be manifested by jaundice. Often hepatitis B is accompanied by symptoms of weakness, indigestion, nausea, loss of appetite and pain in the right side under the ribs. In rare cases, people complain of pain in the muscles and joints, or diseases of the skin and kidneys.

Cytomegaly

Signs of cytomegalovirus infection may vary depending on the stage of the disease - primary, secondary infection or exacerbation. However, in all cases, intoxication, fever and disruption of many organs (lungs, kidneys, central nervous system, liver, etc.) are observed. Cytomegalovirus can affect any organ or system. Possible diseases and their symptoms that cause cytomegalovirus are shown in the table:

Localization of cytomegalovirus	Causing disease	Symptoms
Salivary glands	sialadenitis	Heat; enlarged salivary glands; soreness of the salivary glands;
Lymphocytes	Mononucleosis	Heat; intoxication; enlargement of the liver, spleen and salivary glands;
Lungs	Pneumonia	Heat; blue lips, nails.
CNS	Meningitis	Headache; vomit; disturbance of consciousness; convulsions;
urinary tract	Urethritis, cystitis, pyelonephritis	Protein in the urine; casts in the urine; epithelium in large quantities in the urine;
Liver	Hepatitis	Jaundice; liver enlargement; an increase in bilirubin.
digestive tract	Inflammation of various organs (stomach, intestines)	Nausea; vomit; gas formation; diarrhea.

If a child is infected by a sick mother, this can lead to miscarriage at short gestation periods, or to the birth of an infant with malformations. Such children suffer from encephalitis and meningitis, may be in a state of excitement or lethargy, reflexes are weak, convulsions, deafness or poor vision are possible. Newborns suffer from jaundice, which does not go away for a long time.

The periods of remission and exacerbation depend on the state of the human immune system, as well as on the activity of the virus.

molluscum contagiosum

This pathology is manifested by the formation of specific pimples on the skin. When you try to squeeze a pimple, liquid contents come out of it, painted white and containing small rounded inclusions. Earlier, these inclusions were mistakenly considered a mollusk, which is why the disease got its name. Such pimples are located at the site of infection with the virus. In adults, the skin of the genitals, thighs, buttocks, perineum and anus is usually affected, since infection occurs through sexual contact. In children, the location of the rashes can be any, since they are infected by contact and household.

Kaposi's sarcoma

This disease is caused by a virus from the herpes family. People with normal immunity can be carriers of this virus for life, but the disease does not develop. Kaposi's sarcoma progresses only with the concomitant presence of AIDS. Pathology is the development of multiple malignant tumors localized on the skin, in the skin, on the mucous membranes.

Principles of treatment of viral genital infections

The principles of treatment of viral sexual infections consist of the following parameters:
1. The use of drugs that stop the reproduction of the virus (antiviral).
2. The use of drugs that enhance the activity of the immune system (immunostimulants).
3. The use of symptomatic agents (Acyclovir - take 5 days, 200 mg 5 times a day;

Famciclovir - take 5 days, 250 mg 3 times a day;

Valacyclovir - take 5 days, 500 mg 2 times a day.

In some cases, in order to achieve a long and stable remission, the intake of these drugs is prolonged until the desired effect is obtained.

The following immunostimulants have good efficacy for the treatment of genital herpes:

Meglumine acridonacetate - administered intramuscularly;
Panavir - intravenously;
Imunofan - intramuscularly;
Sodium ribonucleinate - intramuscularly;
Imunomax - intramuscularly;
Galavit - taken orally in the form of tablets;
Interferon alfa - vaginal suppositories.

Therapy human papillomavirus infection consists of several stages. First, it is necessary to remove the formed warts by one of the following methods:
1. Diathermocoagulation (cauterization).
2. Laser.
3. radio wave surgery.

If the size of the genital warts and the condition of the patient allows, then the destruction of the formations is carried out with the help of chemicals - preparations Solcoderm, Podophyllotoxin.

After removal of condylomas, immunostimulants and antiviral drugs are used to prevent relapses or eliminate them. So, the following immunostimulants have a good effect:

Likopid in tablets;
Genferon - candles;
Viferon - candles;
Kipferon - candles;
Panavir - candles.

Of the antiviral drugs for the treatment of papillomavirus infection, Inosine and Indinol are used.

molluscum contagiosum most often self-healing within six months. To speed up recovery and prevent the spread of infection, you can use antiseptic drugs, remove pimples with a laser, liquid nitrogen, or electrolysis. You can independently lubricate the rash with iodine daily. The need to take antiviral drugs arises in exceptional cases. The use of immunostimulants is justified, but the drug must be selected taking into account the immune status of a person. After the course of treatment, it is necessary to disinfect all household items.

Cytomegaly, Kaposi's sarcoma and hepatitis B require special methods of treatment, taking into account the clinical form of the disease, the characteristics of the course and the patient's condition.

Possible complications of viral genital infections

Viral sexual infections can lead to the development of serious complications if the process is left without proper attention and correction.

About complications HIV infections it is impossible to speak, since the last stage of the disease - AIDS - is essentially terminal, when the immune system does not cope with its functions at all, and a person becomes infected with a huge number of diseases. It can be exaggerated to say that AIDS is a complication of HIV.

Genital herpes And molluscum contagiosum do not cause serious complications. Kaposi's sarcoma associated with the immunodeficiency virus, and in its essence is itself a complication.

Cytomegalovirus infection can lead to miscarriage or congenital malformations of the fetus.

Hepatitis B can lead to the development of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The greatest potential for the development of complications has papillomavirus infection. So, the following pathologies can be complications of papillomavirus infection:

penis cancer;
cervical cancer;
anus cancer;
genital warts of the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, anus;
papillomas of the larynx in a prenatally infected child.

Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

HERPETIC INFECTION
According to the WHO, diseases transmitted by the herpes virus rank second (15.8%) after influenza (35.8%) as the cause of death from viral infections.
On the territory of Russia and in the CIS countries, at least 22 million people suffer from chronic herpes infection. Among viral infections that affect the genital organs, herpes infection is the most common. This pathogen plays a predominant role in the etiology of spontaneous abortions and premature births, in violation of embryogenesis and organogenesis, and in congenital pathology of newborns.
Almost a third of the world's population is affected by a herpes infection, and 50% of them experience relapses of the disease every year, since there is no immunity against this viral infection. There is evidence that by the age of 5, about 60% of children are already infected with the herpes virus, and by the age of 15 - almost 90% of children and adolescents. Most people are lifelong virus carriers. Moreover, in 85-99% of cases, the primary infection in them is asymptomatic and only in 1-15% - in the form of a systemic infection.
About 90% of the urban population in all countries of the world is infected with one or more types of the herpes virus, and recurrent herpes infections are observed in 9-12% of the inhabitants of different countries. Infection and morbidity are constantly growing, outpacing the natural increase in the population of the Earth. The number of reported cases of genital herpes is growing especially rapidly (increased by 168% over the past decade).
When examining students from one of the US colleges, antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 were detected in 1-4% of individuals; among university students - 9%; persons visiting the family planning clinic - 22%, among pregnant women (without a history of genital herpes) - 32% and persons visiting the clinic for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases - in 46% of cases (Frenkel M., 1993) .
Herpes infection is understood as diseases characterized by rashes on the skin and / or mucous membranes in the form of vesicles grouped on an edematous-erythematous base and proceeding with damage to internal organs.
Etiology: herpes viruses are "creeping" DNA containing viruses 150-300 nm in size.
Classification:
The group of herpes viruses includes the following subgroups:
1. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) - herpes simplex:
1.1. HSV type 1 (HSV-1) is clinically manifested in the form of herpes of the lips, mouth, eyes, genital herpes.
1.2. HSV type 2 (HSV-2) - genital herpes and generalized herpes of newborns.
2. V. Varicella Zoster - chickenpox and herpes zoster (lichen).
3. Epstein-Barr virus - infectious mononucleosis and Burket's lymphoma.
4. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) - cytomegaly.
Herpes simplex virus.
The gates of infection are the lips, skin, mucous membranes (including the eyes). After infection, HSV infection ascends along the peripheral nerves to the ganglia, where it persists for life. Latent herpes infection HSV-1 persists in the ganglion of the trigeminal nerve, and HSV-2 - in the ganglion of the sacral plexus. When activated, the virus spreads along the nerve to the original lesion.
It is believed that the spread of herpes infection is supported not by a chain of continuous infections, but by periodic activation of a latent infection, which turns into clinically pronounced forms under the influence of factors that reduce the functioning of the immune system (flu, hypothermia, treatment with immunosuppressants, stress, etc.)
HSV-1.
Ways of transmission: from a sick person to a healthy person through direct contact (usually through a kiss), airborne droplets, through household items, transplacental, fecal-oral and sexual. HSV-1 can be isolated from saliva in 2-2.5% of apparently healthy individuals. About 5% of healthy people have herpes simplex virus in the mouth, nasopharynx, lacrimal fluid, and sometimes in the cerebrospinal fluid and are excreted in the feces.
Lip herpes.
Clinically manifested as a group of vesicles 1-3 mm in diameter, located on an edematous hyperemic base. The vesicles are filled with serous contents and are grouped around the mouth, on the lips, and on the wings of the nose. Sometimes there is a widespread herpetic rash on the skin of the hands, buttocks.
The disease is prone to recurrence. The appearance of a rash is often combined with headache, malaise, subfebrile condition, burning sensation, tingling, itching. Regressing, the bubbles shrink with the formation of a crust, or open with the formation of erosion. Recovery occurs in 7-10 days.
Treatment: ointments acyclovir, zovirax, gossypol, tebrofen, and with crusts - tetracycline or erythromycin ointment.
Herpes of the oral cavity proceeds in the form of herpetic stomatitis and is manifested by rashes on the oral mucosa in the form of vesicles that open with the formation of erosions with a grayish-white coating (aphthous stomatitis).
Treatment: treatment of the oral mucosa with a 0.1% solution of 5-iodine-deoxyuridine (kericide), acyclovir tablets 200 mg 5 times a day for 5 days.
Herpes eye occurs in the form of keratitis (superficial or deep). The disease is prone to a long relapsing course. The disease often leads to persistent clouding of the cornea and reduced visual acuity. The most dangerous complications are: corneal perforation, endophthalmitis, increased intraocular pressure, cataract development.
Treatment: tablets acyclovir 200 mg 5 times a day for 5 days; instillation of a solution of human leukocyte interferon on the conjunctiva of the eyes, immunostimulants.
HSV-2, genital herpes.
The main route of transmission is sexual. Infection usually occurs when the partner who is the source of the infection has a recurrence of the infection. Along with severe forms of the disease, asymptomatic and undiagnosed genital diseases caused by HSV-2 are more common. Such patients become a reservoir and carriers of a viral infection, infecting others. So, among the adult population of the United States, there are 65-80% of them. Asymptomatic detection of HSV is more defined in women than in men and is more typical of HSV-2 than HSV-1.
Clinic.
1. Primary genital herpes in persons who have not had contact with HSV is characterized by genital and extragenital lesions. Most often, the process occurs on the labia majora and labia minora, vaginal mucosa and cervix, in the region of the balano-prepuce groove, foreskin, mucosa of the glans penis and urethra. After a latent period lasting from 1 to 5 days, pain, itching appear in the lesions, discharge. In 60% of patients, there is an increase in temperature, headaches and muscle pain, in 23% of cases - an increase in inguinal and femoral lymph nodes. Small, 1-3 mm in diameter serous vesicles appear on the affected areas, sitting on a hyperemic base. Initially transparent, the contents of the vesicles become cloudy, purulent. Vesicles open with the formation of bright red erosion, covered with a thin crust, which disappears as epithelialization progresses. Healing occurs without scarring, but temporary hyperemia or pigmentation remains. The average duration of local manifestations is 10-12 days.
The defeat of the urethra begins suddenly with the release of mucus in the form of a "morning drop", almost colorless. Patients complain of urination disorders, pain, feeling of heat, sometimes itching or burning in the external genital area. After 1-2 weeks, the symptoms disappear, but most patients experience relapses of the disease at intervals of several weeks to several years.
2. Secondary genital herpes is milder and recovery is faster. There are few spilled elements. Relapses in HSV-2 appear earlier and more often than in HSV-1.
Analysis of sera from various population groups showed a very high content of antibodies against HSV-2 in patients with invasive cervical carcinoma (in 83% of cases, versus 20% in the control). Physicians should more closely screen patients with genital herpes infection for both viral and malignant disease of the cervix.
Secondary genital herpes contributes to the occurrence of cancer of the glans penis.
Treatment: depends on the form and period of the disease.
In primary genital herpes, topical acyclovir 5% ointment or cream, acyclovir tablets 200 mg 5 times a day for 5 days or intravenous acyclovir 5 mg / kg every 8 hours for 5 days, bonofton, tebrofen or oxolinic ointment 6 times a day within 15-20 days, immunostimulants.
In case of damage to the urethra - the introduction of drops of an interferon solution.
With erosion - lotions or suppositories with interferon, viferon.
For recurrent genital herpes:
episodic treatment of each exacerbation: externally 5% acyclovir cream 5 times a day for 10 days, immunostimulants,
with 6 or more exacerbations per year - long-term therapy with acyclovir 200 mg 4-5 times a day for 3 months, immunostimulants.
Generalized herpes of newborns.
1. Neonatal herpes infection in children is almost always associated with HSV-1, which affects the mouth and face. Transmission of the pathogen most often occurs during childbirth during passage through the birth canal. Most women who give birth to infected children do not have a history of herpetic diseases. The clinical picture is dominated by the phenomena of encephalitis (fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, convulsions), damage to the skin and internal organs (liver, lungs, adrenal glands) is characteristic,
Prevention consists in 100% examination of spouses and pregnant women to detect antibodies to herpes viruses. With obvious clinical manifestations of genital herpes in a pregnant woman - the birth of a child by caesarean section.
The prognosis is doubtful, the mortality rate reaches 90%.
2. Transplacental or by ascending infection, especially after premature rupture of the membranes, as well as by transmission of viruses with sperm through an infected egg, intrauterine infection develops, 50% due to HSV-2. The greatest number of diseases in newborns occurs with primary infection in the mother in late pregnancy. This can lead to fulminant disseminated infection of the fetus and cause disruption of organogenesis and the occurrence of deformities or causes spontaneous premature termination of pregnancy, stillbirth and early infant mortality. Children can be born with underdevelopment of the brain, hepatitis, jaundice, meningitis, calcium deposits in the brain, damage to the eyes, optic nerve, blood cells, adrenal glands, etc. Such children are usually not viable.
Zoster virus.
1. Chicken pox - develops in the absence of previous immunity. The pathogen is transmitted by airborne droplets. Children get sick more often. After the disappearance of clinical manifestations, the virus in the body persists for life.
2. With a sharp decrease in the body's defenses, the virus persists, which manifestly manifests itself in the form of a chicken pox clinic (in persons who have already had it). Then comes the latent period, characterized by the development of viruses in the ganglia of the peripheral nervous system, and a clinic commonly known as herpes zoster develops. There is a strong burning sensation, shooting pains, tingling. at the base, numerous vesicles with serous contents develop.Rashes are localized along the nerves (often intercostal and trigeminal).Sharp, burning pains of such intensity join, that patients scream, are forced to look for a position of the body in which the pain is less severe.The vesicles merge into bullae, foci appear necrosis The duration of the disease is 3-4 weeks, after which the rash disappears, the pain may remain for several months or years.
Patients with herpes zoster should be most carefully examined for the detection of cancer.
Treatment: locally in the acute period, liquid analgin and flucinar; ointments gossypol, tebrofenovaya, Acyclovir 800 mg 5 times a day for 7-10 days and immunocorrectors. After a single transferred disease does not recur.

EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS.
The development of infectious mononucleosis is associated with this virus. The disease often gives malignancy to Burket's lymphoma. It occurs more in Africa and Asia, affecting children 2-15 years old. The process takes place in the upper jaw, ovaries, orbits of the eyes, kidneys, spleen, peripheral lymph nodes. Treatment according to the scheme of polychemotherapy of aggressive lymphomas.

CYTOMEGALIA VIRUS.
Human cytomegalovirus (Cytomegalovirus hominis, Human Herpes Virus type 5).
Short name: CMV, HHV-5, CMV, HHV-5.
Classification:
Family: Herpesviruses
Subfamily: ? - herpesviruses (beta-herpesvirus).
CytoMegalovirus (CMV) was discovered by scientist Margaret Gladys Smith in 1956. This virus is the most common representative of the herpes group among people - viruses. External CMV is similar to the herpes simplex viruses that cause genital herpes and labial herpes. Most adults and a significant number of children are infected with this virus. Statistics show that half of the villagers and up to 90% of the urban population under the age of 40 are infected with cytomegalovirus. After infection, the virus can remain asymptomatic in the body for many years without causing any disease. In most people with "normal" immunity, the virus does not manifest itself until the end of life.
The greatest danger of CMV infection is for people with immunodeficiencies that have developed as a result of radiation or chemotherapy for oncological diseases, when taking significant doses of corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplants, HIV infection, and also if CMV becomes infected with a newborn. In this group of people, cytomegalovirus can cause pneumonia, damage to the brain, liver, heart, and retina.
How infection occurs:
The virus enters from the external environment with the saliva of a sick interlocutor, with male semen, secretions from the vagina and cervix, with urine, with blood, with lacrimal fluid, with breast milk (the most common mode of transmission in the world).
Transmission routes:
1. Contact and sexual:
- Contact with newborns, including daily care for them (children infected during childbirth, during the first 5 years of life, the virus is excreted from the body);
- Sexual way (early onset of sexual activity, many sexual partners, homosexual relationships, previous sexually transmitted diseases)
2. Nosocomial infection
- When transplanting organs from persons infected with CMV.
- When transfusing blood and blood products from a person infected with CMV. (In the Russian Federation, blood products and whole blood are not tested for CMV).
The virus enters the human body and enters the bloodstream. But the guardian of our health, the immune system, does not sleep, it kills the virus in the blood, "driving" it into the glands that produce saliva / salivary glands / and kidney tissue, where the virus goes into an inactive state and "sleeps" for many weeks, months or years. ". A "sleeping" virus cannot be recognized by the immune system.
When immunity is impaired, reactivation occurs: cytomegalovirus destroys the structures of a human cell, causing the formation of lumps from nuclei, mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes - known to you from a school biology course. After such destruction, the cell, like a sinking ship, fills up with liquid and swells greatly. The infectious process is characterized by damage to the salivary glands with the formation of giant cells with intranuclear inclusions in the tissues, associated with HIV. Transmission of the pathogen requires prolonged and close contact.
The main route of transmission is sexual. The virus is found in saliva, urine, blood, breast milk, semen (very much). It is excreted with saliva up to 4 weeks, with urine - up to 2 years.
The disease is asymptomatic or with a small clinic. With intrauterine infection, children are born with an underdeveloped brain, with massive calcium deposits in it, dropsy of the brain, hepatitis, jaundice, enlarged liver and spleen, pneumonia, heart defects, myocardial damage, inguinal hernia, congenital deformities, etc.
Treatment: acyclovir intravenously 5 mg/kg body weight (10 mg/kg) 3 times a day for 10 days in combination with immunostimulating therapy.

HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that is transmitted from person to person in certain ways and causes dysfunction or destruction of the human immune system.
HIV infection is a disease that occurs when the human immunodeficiency virus enters the body.
AIDS is short for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. This is the last (terminal) stage of HIV infection.
What does HIV do in the human body?
HIV is an unusual virus because a person can be infected for many years and still appear completely healthy. But the virus gradually multiplies inside the body and eventually destroys the body's ability to fight infections and diseases by killing the blood cells that are part of the body's immune (defense) system.
If a person is infected, this does not mean that he will immediately develop AIDS. The virus can stay in the body for ten or more years before a person feels any symptoms of the disease. During this period, a person may look and feel perfectly healthy, but at the same time can transmit this virus to others. Thus:
you can get HIV without even knowing it;
it is possible to pass HIV to others without knowing it.
Some time after HIV enters the body, people get a flu-like condition, but it goes away after a few days. Usually no one associates these manifestations with HIV infection.
What happens to a person with AIDS?
A person develops serious health problems: pneumonia, cancer, various forms of fever, and other serious diseases can develop, many of which never occur in people with an intact immune system. This stage of the disease is called AIDS. At this time, a person can dramatically lose weight by 10% or more, have a long time (more than one month) constantly elevated body temperature, severe night sweats, chronic fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, persistent cough and prolonged loose stools. After this, there comes a moment when the body's resistance is completely lost, and the diseases become so aggravated that the person dies.
Can AIDS be cured?
There is currently no drug that can destroy HIV in the human body and no vaccine that can prevent infection. But there are drugs that, if properly selected and used, can maintain health and slow down the development of AIDS for a long time. Thanks to these medicines, a person can live a full life.
How is HIV transmitted?
The study showed that HIV is found in various biological fluids of the human body, but in different quantities. In a concentration sufficient for infection, the virus is found in blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The ways of contracting HIV infection are different, but for infection to occur, it is necessary:
getting HIV into the blood of a healthy person;
the amount of HIV must be sufficient for infection.
Therefore, the immunodeficiency virus can enter the human body in only three ways:
With unprotected sexual contact with HIV-infected or AIDS patients.
Most cases of HIV transmission occur through sexual contact. The more people a person has sex with without using a condom, the more likely they are to end up with an HIV-positive partner. At the same time, only one sexual contact with a carrier of the virus may be enough to become infected with HIV infection. During sexual intercourse, HIV can be transmitted from man to woman, from woman to man, from man to man, and from woman to woman.
When the blood of an HIV-infected or AIDS patient enters the body of a healthy person.
This can occur when transfusing blood or blood products from HIV-infected donors or when using non-sterile, untreated medical equipment containing particles of the blood of infected people. But now the chances of getting infected in this way are very small. Blood products that are used to treat people are tested for the presence of the virus, disposable medical instruments are used. This mode of HIV transmission is common among intravenous drug users, as often a group of drug users share a syringe and needle that is not handled in any way.
From an HIV-infected or AIDS-infected mother to her child.
This can also happen during pregnancy (when HIV passes through the placenta to the fetus), during childbirth (when during the passage of the child through the birth canal of the mother, HIV along with the blood can enter the body of the newborn through easily vulnerable skin) and while breastfeeding the child ( when HIV from mother's milk enters the bloodstream through microtrauma in the mouth).
HIV infection is not transmitted in everyday life. It is impossible to get infected by sharing utensils and toilets with HIV-infected people, swimming with them in the same pool, greeting and hugging. HIV is not carried by insects.

No one is immune from HIV infection. Any person, male or female, at any age, regardless of place of residence and religious beliefs, can become infected.