The ectoparasitic sexually transmitted infection is?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei.
This mite is an ectoparasite, which is a parasite that lives on the outer surface of its host.
Transmission occurs through direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with an infested person, which includes sexual contact.
The primary symptoms are intense itching (pruritus), which is often worse at night, and a pimple-like skin rash or burrows.

Option A: Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Bacteria are microorganisms that live inside the body, not ectoparasites that live on the skin.
Option C: Hepatitis A is a viral infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Viruses are infectious agents that replicate inside the living cells of other organisms. They are not ectoparasites.
Option D: Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Like gonorrhea, it is a common bacterial STI and not caused by an external parasite.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Classification of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by causative agent helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a crucial role in patient education for scabies. It is vital to instruct the patient that all sexual partners and close household contacts from the last month must be treated at the same time to prevent re-infestation, regardless of whether they have symptoms.
Environmental decontamination is a key nursing intervention. Advise patients to wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the three days prior to treatment in hot water (at least 50°C or 122°F) and dry them on a high heat setting.
Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours, as the mites cannot survive for more than 2-3 days away from human skin.

How to Approach the Question

First, dissect the question to identify the core requirement. The keywords are 'ectoparasitic' and 'sexually transmitted infection'.
Define 'ectoparasite': a parasite that lives on the exterior of its host (e.g., on the skin).
Systematically evaluate each option based on its causative agent.
Recall or determine that Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are caused by bacteria.
Recall or determine that Hepatitis A is caused by a virus.
Recall or determine that Scabies is caused by a mite, which is an ectoparasite.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by causative agent.
Stem keywords: ectoparasitic, sexually transmitted infection, STI
Lead-in keywords: is

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Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.