Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a common and serious public health issue worldwide. While some STIs can be cured with proper treatment, others have no known cure and can only be managed through medication and regular monitoring. In this blog, we will discuss various aspects of STIs, including prevention methods, epidemiological transitions, and viral cycles.
Topic 1: HIV Prevention

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, leading to AIDS. However, there is an HIV prevention method called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which involves taking a daily medication to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. PrEP is highly effective when used consistently, and it has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 99%.

Topic 2: Epidemiological Transition

The epidemiological transition refers to the shift in the leading cause of death from infectious diseases to chronic diseases as nations become more developed. While infectious diseases were once the primary cause of death, chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer now account for the majority of deaths worldwide.

Topic 3: Viral Envelopes and Cycles

Viral envelopes are composed of lipids and proteins and are derived from the host cell's membrane during the viral assembly process. In the case of the enveloped RNA virus that infects monkeys, the presence of a protein characteristic of monkey cells suggests that the virus may have originated from a previous infection in a monkey.

The lysogenic cycle involves the integration of viral DNA into the host cell's genome, while the lytic cycle results in the destruction of the host cell and the release of new viral particles. Retroviruses such as HIV differ from other viruses in that they use reverse transcription to convert their RNA genome into DNA before integrating into the host cell's genome.

Topic 4: False Positives and Emerging Viruses

False positives occur when someone tests positive for a disease despite not having it. This can lead to unnecessary treatment and anxiety for the individual. Emerging viruses that infect human cells can originate from various sources, including zoonotic transmissions from animals, genetic mutations, and recombination events.

Conclusion
STIs are a serious public health issue that requires consistent effort and attention to prevent and treat. With proper prevention methods, such as PrEP, and ongoing research into the epidemiological transition and viral cycles, we can work towards reducing the spread of STIs and improving the lives of those affected by them.