The Healthy College

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One of the reasons April is “ Sexually Transmitted Disease Month” is STDs are the most common infectious disease in the United States and are epidemic in most parts of the world. As you might be aware, the incidence of 2 STDs, HIV/AIDS and Chlamydial infection, has increased significantly in the last 25 years. All STDs present unique challenges because of the perceived stigma and possible threat to emotional relationships. Those with symptoms are often reluctant to seek health care in a timely fashion.

With this in mind, please read further.

Dr. Susan Kah, Interim Campus President
Medical Center Campus

Why STDs?

The first documented major outbreak of Syphilis occurred in fifteenth century Europe. Posters warned World War II GI's that Syphilis and Gonorrhea were "easy to get . .". AIDS, still unnamed, crept insidiously into the world's awareness in the late 1970s. All three of these diseases are major health threats in the United States today. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) have waned and rebounded through the centuries. The only certainty is that they have been, are, and will be with us. We need to know what they are and how to stay safe.

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Newsletter Committee Editors Marie Etienne, Chair Lisa Kokx Technical Assistance Fara Vázquez, Nursing Student Iris Lopez, Media Services Contributors Marie Etienne, Nursing Faculty Carla Levesque, Librarian Sherrolyn Lowe, Nursing Student Dominique Merzius, Nursing Student Roberta Neway, Project MÁS Madeline Pumariega, Dean Fara Vázquez, Nursing Student Interim Campus President Dr. Susan Kah	What are They? A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a disease that is caused by a virus, bacterium, fungus etc. that spreads from one person to another through sexual contact. STDs can be painful and even life threatening. There are approximately 200-400 million people infected throughout the world with more than 13 million people affected each year in the United States. There are over twenty known STDs. Three most prevalent STDs include syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Each is different in terms of symptoms and severity.
	STDs	Caused by	Medical Treatment
	*Chlamydia*	Chlamydia trachomatis	Antibiotics
	*Gonorrhea*	Neisseria gonorrhoeae	Antibiotics - However, drug resistant strains of this disease are emerging, so treatment can be difficult.
	*Syphilis*	Treponema pallidum	Penicillin is the standard antibiotic used; however, other antibiotics can be used if the patient is allergic to Penicillin.
	*Trichomoniasis*	Trichomonas Vaginalis (flagellated protozoan)	Metronidazole in a single dose cures up to 95% of women at initial treatment if sexual partners are treated simultaneously. Men may be treated for 7 days, especially if a single dose is not curative.
	*Chancroid*	Haemophilus Ducreyi *(bacterium)*	Erythromycin for 7 days, ceftriaxone once, azithromycin once, or ciprofloxacin for 3 days.
	*Genital Herpes*	Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) but also (10 to 30%) with type 1 (HSV-1)	Antiviral therapy for HSV reduces viral shedding and symptoms; however, it does not abort latent infections or prevent recurrences.
	*Genital Warts*	Human Papillomavirus (HPV)	No treatment is completely satisfactory. Warts may be removed by laser, cryotherapy, or surgical excision using a local or general anesthetic.


Volume 1, Issue 3 April 2005