16.6

Sexually transmitted infections

9 flashcards to master Sexually transmitted infections

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Definition Flip

What is a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

Answer Flip

An STI is an infection that is transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Examples include HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

Definition Flip

What type of pathogen is HIV?

Answer Flip

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus. Viruses are non-cellular pathogens that replicate inside host cells, causing damage. HIV specifically attacks immune cells.

Key Concept Flip

What disease can HIV infection lead to?

Answer Flip

HIV infection can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS weakens the immune system, making individuals vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers.

Key Concept Flip

Describe three methods of HIV transmission.

Answer Flip

HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral), sharing needles or syringes, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. It's found in bodily fluids like blood, semen, and breast milk.

Key Concept Flip

How can the spread of STIs be controlled?

Answer Flip

STI spread can be controlled through practicing safe sex (using condoms), regular STI testing, partner notification and treatment, abstinence, and vaccination (for some STIs like HPV). Public health campaigns also play a role.

Key Concept Flip

Explain the role of condoms in preventing STI transmission.

Answer Flip

Condoms act as a physical barrier preventing the exchange of bodily fluids (semen, vaginal fluids) during sexual contact. This reduces the risk of STI transmission, as many pathogens are transmitted through these fluids.

Key Concept Flip

Why is early detection and treatment important for controlling STIs?

Answer Flip

Early detection and treatment prevent the STI from progressing and causing more severe health complications. Treatment also reduces the likelihood of transmission to other individuals, thus controlling the spread.

Key Concept Flip

Outline the effects of HIV on the immune system.

Answer Flip

HIV specifically targets and destroys immune cells called helper T cells (CD4 cells). This weakens the immune system, making the infected individual more susceptible to opportunistic infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Definition Flip

What is meant by the term 'opportunistic infection' in the context of AIDS?

Answer Flip

An opportunistic infection is an infection caused by a pathogen that does not usually cause disease in a person with a healthy immune system. In AIDS patients, the weakened immune system allows these pathogens to cause serious illness.

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16.5 Sex hormones in humans 17.1 Chromosomes, genes and proteins

Key Questions: Sexually transmitted infections

What is a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

An STI is an infection that is transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Examples include HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

What type of pathogen is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus. Viruses are non-cellular pathogens that replicate inside host cells, causing damage. HIV specifically attacks immune cells.

What is meant by the term 'opportunistic infection' in the context of AIDS?

An opportunistic infection is an infection caused by a pathogen that does not usually cause disease in a person with a healthy immune system. In AIDS patients, the weakened immune system allows these pathogens to cause serious illness.

About Sexually transmitted infections (16.6)

These 9 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Sexually transmitted infections for your Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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