STIs affect both male and female genitourinary tracts/ reproductive systems.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):

STIs can affect both male and female genitourinary tracts/ reproductive systems. Urine sample/ urethral swabs/ vaginal swabs can be used to detect several pathogens responsible for causing urethritis in men and pelvic and cervical inflammations in women:

Following types of sexually transmitted (STIs) can affect male and female genitourinary tract and a STI panel can be precisely help identify the cause and allow the physician to treat the patient. Due to the overlapping and often confusing clinical presentation of herpetic and syphilitic lesions, a combined panel testing for herpes simplex and Treponema pallidum when a genital lesion is identified facilitates effective targeted therapy directed toward the appropriate pathogen.

A.    Urethritis is an inflammation of the male urethra and is often due to sexually transmitted infections. It may be caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis and/or Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma spp.

B.    Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs and often due to sexually transmitted infections. It may be caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis and/or Mycoplasma genitalium. Most women are asymptomatic. For those that present with symptoms, the symptoms may include pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis, heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and pain during intercourse. A panel will help the clinician identify the cause of these symptoms.

C.    Cervicitis is an inflammation of the female cervix and can be related to sexually transmitted infections. It may be caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma genitalium. Most women are asymptomatic. For those who present with symptoms, the symptoms are vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and pain during intercourse. A panel will help the clinician identify if the woman has an STI as the cause of Cervicitis.

Pathogens tested in the panel are as follows:

1.     Chlamydia trachomatis

2.     Gardnerella vaginalis

3.     Neisseria gonorrhoeae

4.     Trichomonas vaginalis

5.     Atopobium vaginae

6.     Haemophilus ducreyi

7.     Treponema pallidum

8.     Human Herpes Virus 1

9.     Human Herpes Virus 2