Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0017536 (giardiasis)
 1,714 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Sexual activity is the primary method of transmission for several important parasitic diseases and has resulted in a significant prevalence of enteric parasitic infection among male homosexuals. The majority of parasitic sexually transmitted diseases involve protozoan pathogens; however, nematode and arthropod illnesses are also included in this group. Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common parasitic STD. Infection with this organism typically results in the signs and symptoms of vaginitis. Trichomoniasis can be diagnosed in the office setting by performing a microscopic evaluation of infected vaginal secretions and can be successfully treated with metronidazole. Both pediculosis pubis, caused by the crab louse Pthirus pubis, and scabies, caused by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei, present with severe pruritus. A papular or vesicular rash and linear burrows seen in the finger webs and genital area are characteristic of scabies. Pediculosis pubis is diagnosed by observing adult lice or their nits in areas that bear coarse hair. The diagnosis of scabies is confirmed by scraping suspicious burrows and viewing the mite or its byproducts under the microscope. Lindane, 1% used in treating scabies, is also very effective for treating pediculosis pubis. Synthetic pyrethrins, also applied as a cream or lotion, are less toxic alternatives for the treatment of either condition. Oral-anal and oral-genital sexual practices predispose male homosexuals to infection with many enteric pathogens, including parasitic protozoans and helminths. The most common of these parasitic infections are amebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, and giardiasis caused by Giardia lamblia. Both entities may cause acute or chronic diarrhea, as well as other abdominal symptoms. Most gay men with amebiasis are asymptomatic, and invasive disease in this group is extremely rare. Both amebiasis and giardiasis can be diagnosed on the basis of microscopic examination of stool specimens, although duodenal aspiration is occasionally necessary to confirm a diagnosis of giardiasis. Multiple treatment regimens exist for amebiasis. Iodoquinol is a good choice for asymptomatic cyst carriers, whereas the combination of metronidazole plus iodoquinol is used for symptomatic patients. Quinacrine and metronidazole are both efficacious in the treatment of giardiasis.
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PMID:Sexually transmitted parasitic diseases. 201 32

This overview provides a discussion of the special concerns of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for women, particularly because of its asymptomatic character; screening; primary prevention; e.g., abstinence, selection of sexual partners restriction of sexual activities, use of barriers (condoms, vaginal spermicides, diaphragm in conjunction with spermicides), and vaccines; and the role of the gynecologist in StD prevention. Gonorrhea and chlamydial infection are usually asymptomatic STD infections in women; long term sequelae are pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and pregnancy complications. There is an increased risk of cervical cancer. Infection is lifelong for herpes simplex virus (HSV) and HIV and malingering for chronic hepatitis B (HPB). Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) and HSV infections cannot be identified serologically. The fetus can be fatally or severely affected by STDs. Abstinence is the only effective prevention for STDs. Likelihood of infection may be reduced by limiting partners, but how partners are chosen and knowledge of infection is a more important determinant. Partners need to be asked about current symptoms, history of STDs, multiple partners, and history of known STD partners, as well as past history of homosexual activity, intravenous drug use, hemophilia, and previous exposure to high-risk persons for STDs. Visible genital warts or lesions, wartlike growths, ulcers, or rash need explanations. Avoidance of oral anal and digital anal activity reduces transmission of hepatitis A, giardiasis, amebiasis, and shigellosis. Any mechanical barrier that remains intact should reduce the risk of STD; barriers specifically covering the cervix are excellent. Condom use is effective when used as follows: 1) at the onset of sexual activity, 2) without petroleum jelly or baby oil on latex, 3) with care of fingernails which may tear holes, 4) with complete withdrawal of the penis before complete detumescence, and 5) with a withdrawal hold at the base of the penis. Spermicides, such as nonoxynol 9, are effective against STDs. Diaphragm use with spermicide may be effective because of the spermicide. There is a reduced risk of transmission of HSV or HPV to a partner. Vaccines are only available for hepatitis B. Obstetrics and gynecology residency training in STDs in unavailable in 4 out of 5 medical schools, and gynecologists are ethically obligated to accurately inform about STD diagnosis, treatment, and diagnosis.
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PMID:Avoiding sexually transmitted diseases. 209 42