Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a bacterial infection in the vagina that occurs when there is an imbalance in the bacteria that are normally present.1 It occurs frequently in women of reproductive age, and is the most common vaginal infection in women aged 15 to 44. BV often recurs in women who get it, with 30%…
Tag: Bacteria
Super Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea and the Discovery of Super Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect both males and females. It often results in infections of the genitals, rectum, and throat, and most commonly afflicts within sexually active people between the ages of 15 to 24. Gonorrhea is transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex,…
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, sometimes called “the clap”, is a sexually transmitted infection that can be spread to both males and females. It is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, also called gonococcus.1 Gonorrhea is a very common infection in the United States and worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, that…
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis is caused by inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.1 A host of different strains of bacteria can cause meningitis, and people are more susceptible to certain strains at certain ages.1 Oftentimes, people carry the contagious bacteria, but do not show symptoms. However, if the bacteria break…
HIV Treatment
Treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) consists of taking a combination of medicines daily to suppress viral activity and slow the progression of the virus.1 HIV is classified as a retrovirus, a class of virus using RNA as genetic material and replicates through integrating to the host DNA. While there is no current cure for HIV, there is…
Bacterial Infections
Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that thrive in many different types of environments.1 They are found in every habitat on Earth including soil, rock, water, artic snow, and even the human body.2 In fact, there are approximately ten times as many bacterial cells as human cells in the human body.3 Most types of bacteria are harmless…
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
A urinary tract infection (also known as a bladder infection or acute cystitis) is the infection of a part or parts of the urinary tract, which is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is not technically a sexually transmitted infection, however, sexual activity is a common cause…
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
What is it? Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a severe infection of the female reproductive organs that results from the spread of a previously existing infection. PID can be caused by a variety of infections, but it is most commonly a complication of untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Because of this connection, PID is considered…
Nongonococcal Urethritis
What Is It? Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is a broad term describing used to describe an inflammation of the urethra. NGU is caused by the introduction of bacteria, not including gonorrhea. While NGU can be caused by several different microorganisms including Mycoplasma genitalium and adenovirus, the most common NGU-inducing pathogen is chlamydia.1 Who Is at Risk?…