| |
HIV |
Syphilis |
Hepatitis C (HCV) |
| What is it? |
HIV is a virus
that attacks the immune system and may eventually lead to
AIDS. It can cause immune failure and possibly death. |
Syphilis is caused
by a bacterium called treponema pallidum. It can cause damage
to the brain and other internal organs, loss of coordination,
dementia and possibly death. |
HCV is a virus
that causes inflammation of the liver. It can cause liver
cell damage, leading to cirrhosis, cancer and possibly death. |
| Window period |
Up to 3 months.
If infected, MOST will have a reactive HIV EIA test at 4-6
weeks after infection. |
Up to 4 months.
If infected, MOST will have a reactive RPR test at 4 1/2
weeks after infection. |
Up to 9 weeks.
If infected, MOST will have a reactive HCV EIA antibody test
at 40 days after infection. |
| What is the fluid of transmission? |
Blood
Semen
Vaginal fluid
Breast milk (infants) |
The fluid found
within a syphilis sore (lesion or chancre).
This fluid contains the corkscrew shaped bacteria treponema
pallidum. |
Blood
Semen
Vaginal fluid
(Note- semen and vaginal fluid are considered much less effective
at transmitting the virus.) |
| How is it primarily transmitted? |
Unprotected anal
and vaginal sex.
Sharing contaminated needles.
Mother-to-child.
Much less effective through unprotected oral sex. |
Unprotected vaginal,
anal and oral sex.
Mother-to-child.
Much less effective through kissing mouth-to-mouth. |
Contact with infected
blood, contaminated IV needles, razors and tattoo or body-piercing
tools.
Mother-to-child.
Much less effective through sexual contact, becomes more
effective in relation to number of partners one has. |
| Symptoms |
May have none.
Sero-conversion may be flu-like including fever, diarrhea,
muscle aches, swollen glands, night sweats, fatigue.
Long term symptoms vary from person to person. |
Incubation stage-
none.
Primary stage- may have none. Usually a single sore at the
site of infection.
Secondary stage- may have none. Rash that does not itch on
one or more areas of the skin - often located on the palms
of the hands or soles of the feet. |
May have none.
Some persons have mild flu-like symptoms, dark urine, light
stools, jaundice, fatigue and fever. |
| Treatment of infection |
Not curable.
Many combinations of options for treatment are currently
available. Many people on treatment are able to tolerate
the medication. |
Curable.
Penicillin- usually one shot if diagnosed within first year.
Larger doses are needed if infection is 1 or more years old.
Other antibiotics are available for people allergic to penicillin. |
Curable in up
to 40% of those treated.
Interferon, a combination of Interferon with Ribavirin, or
Pegalated Interferon in combination with Ribavirin.
Combination therapy is the treatment of choice. |
| Vaccine |
None |
None |
None |
| Who is at risk? |
Anyone who engages
in anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
IDU's who share contaminated needles.
Infants born to infected mothers. |
Anyone who engages
in anal, vaginal, oral sex, or kissing.
Higher rates currently found among MSMÁs. |
Blood transfusion
recipients before 1992, IDU's who share contaminated needles,
hemodialysis patients, infants born to infected mothers, people
with multiple sex partners, and healthcare workers. |
| Prevention |
Safer sex.
Do not share infected needles. Clean spilled blood w/approved
blood cleaning product or bleach. Wear gloves when touching
blood. |
Safer sex. |
Do not share contaminated
needles, razors or toothbrushes.
Safer sex.
Clean up spilled blood with approved blood cleaning product
or bleach. Wear gloves when touching blood. |
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