Gonorrhoea and Chancroid are?

NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2016

Microbiology

Easy

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2016

Explanation

Gonorrhoea and Chancroid are both primarily transmitted through sexual contact, which is the defining characteristic of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
The list of classical venereal diseases includes syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chancroid.
Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and typically presents as a urethral or cervical discharge.
Chancroid is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi and is characterized by painful genital ulcers.

Option B: While these diseases have skin manifestations (ulcers, rashes), they are not primarily skin diseases. Their classification is based on their mode of transmission.
Option C: Gonorrhoea can lead to urethritis, which is inflammation of the urethra, but it is not a disease of the kidneys themselves (like nephritis or pyelonephritis). Chancroid does not affect the kidneys.
Option D: Neither Gonorrhoea nor Chancroid primarily affects the liver. Their main sites of infection are the genitals and urogenital tract.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in patient education regarding STDs, including prevention through safe sex practices (e.g., condom use), the importance of completing treatment, and partner notification to prevent reinfection and curb community spread.
Recognizing the different presentations of genital ulcers is critical. Painful ulcers suggest Chancroid or Herpes, while a painless, hard ulcer is characteristic of Syphilis. This differentiation guides testing and treatment.
Untreated Gonorrhoea can lead to serious complications like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of disease classification.
First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Gonorrhoea' and 'Chancroid'.
Recall the primary mode of transmission for these two infections. Both are known to be spread through sexual contact.
Evaluate the given options based on this knowledge.
Option A, 'Sexually Transmitted Diseases', directly and accurately categorizes both conditions based on their transmission route.
Eliminate the other options as they describe incorrect organ systems (kidney, liver) or a secondary characteristic (skin manifestations) rather than the primary classification.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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