Knowra Sexually transmitted infection Sexually transmitted infection A sexually transmitted infection is an infection passed primarily through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or other infectious agents. Some infections cause symptoms; others can remain unnoticed.
Mucosal transmission : The passage of infectious agents across moist epithelial surfaces lining body openings. Sexual contact can expose genital, rectal, and oral mucosa to infectious agents.
Sexual health screening : Testing people for sexually transmitted infections, including when they have no symptoms. Routine screening detects infections that symptoms alone would miss.
Bacterium : A single-celled microorganism without a membrane-bound nucleus. Bacteria cause treatable infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Blood-borne transmission : The spread of infectious agents through contact with infected blood. Some pathogens, including HIV, can spread sexually or through blood exposure.
Pelvic inflammatory disease : An infection of the upper female reproductive tract, often following untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea. It can result from ascending sexually transmitted infection and cause chronic pain or infertility.
Asymptomatic infection : An infection that produces no noticeable signs or symptoms. Many sexually transmitted infections spread before diagnosis because infected people may feel well.
Nucleic acid amplification test : A laboratory test that detects and amplifies specific genetic material from a pathogen. These tests diagnose several common bacterial and viral sexually transmitted infections.
Virus : An infectious agent that replicates inside host cells using their molecular machinery. Viruses cause infections including HIV, genital herpes, and human papillomavirus.
Respiratory transmission : The spread of infectious agents through particles released from the respiratory tract. It is a distinct transmission route, even when close physical contact occurs.
Neurosyphilis : Syphilis infection involving the central nervous system, which can occur at any stage. Untreated syphilis can affect the brain, spinal cord, or eyes.
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