Question

Write two examples of each Sexually transmitted disease caused by (i) virus and (ii) bacteria. Explain how the transmission of such diseases is prevented?

Answer 1

Hint: Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) is a large group of diseases that can be transmitted by direct sexual contact. It is also called RTI (Reproductive tract infections).

Complete answer:
(i) Sexually transmitted disease caused by viruses:
 Ex: (a) AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome): AIDS caused by Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV can get transmitted through blood and also by sexual contact between males and females through intercourse.
(b) Genital Warts: Warts are infectious diseases caused by the Human Papilloma Virus(HPV). Sexually transmission of genital warts is common.

(ii) Sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria:
Ex. (a) Gonorrhea: It is an infectious sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Discharge from infected mucous membranes is the source of transmission during sexual contact.
(b) Chlamydia: It is caused by the unusual bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

The group includes conditions traditionally specified as venereal diseases (VD), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and genital herpes. AIDS and hepatitis are sexually transmitted that may be contracted by the other ways also.

Prevention of disease: Sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented by avoiding unprotected intercourse by using condom and avoiding sexual contact with multiple partners. Though all persons are vulnerable to these infections, their incidences are high among persons in the age group of 15-24 years.

Note: Except for hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV infections, other STDs are completely curable if detected early and treated properly.