Blood Groups, STIs, and HIV/AIDS: A Comprehensive Guide
Blood groups: A, B, AB, and O. Group O has no A or B antigens on red blood cells but contains anti-A and anti-B antibodies in the plasma. Group A has A antigens and anti-B antibodies; Group B has B antigens and anti-A antibodies. This explains transfusion reactions: Group O is a universal donor (can donate to all groups) but can only receive from O. Group A can donate to A and AB and receive from A and O. Group B donates to B and AB and receives from B and O. Group AB is a universal recipient (can receive from all groups) but can only donate to AB.
Syphilis: A bacterial infection spread through direct contact with a syphilitic ulcer (chancre), typically found on genitals, anus, rectum, lips, or mouth. Many individuals show no symptoms for years but risk complications if untreated. Primary syphilis symptoms include painless sores and swollen lymph nodes. Secondary syphilis may cause fever, fatigue, and pain. Tertiary syphilis affects the heart, brain, and nervous system. Treatment involves antibiotics (penicillin) and follow-up blood tests.
Gonorrhea: Caused by bacteria thriving in warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, mouth, throat, eyes, and anus. It spreads through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. Symptoms appear 2–5 days after infection (up to a month in men). Symptoms in men include burning urination, yellow or green penile discharge, and swollen testicles. Women may experience painful urination, increased vaginal discharge, and intermenstrual bleeding. Rectal infection (men and women) can cause discharge, itching, pain, bleeding, and painful defecation.
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV uniquely attacks the immune system’s cells. Initially, HIV may be dormant in lymphocytes, but it eventually destroys cells, weakening the immune system. HIV infection doesn’t automatically mean someone has AIDS, but it can be transmitted. Transmission occurs through:
– Blood: Sharing needles, syringes, or sharp objects; during pregnancy, childbirth, or uncontrolled blood transfusions.
– Sexual transmission: Homosexual or heterosexual intercourse via microscopic lesions or wounds.
– Perinatal transmission: From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (significantly reduced with early maternal treatment and avoidance of breastfeeding).
No risk of transmission includes: sharing clothes, shaking hands, receiving controlled blood transfusions, studying/working/playing with someone, brushing teeth, kissing, hugging, sterilized tattoos, using a new needle, using a condom, shaving with a new razor, drinking from a bottle, bathing with an infected person (showers, pools), insect bites. Initial infection may be asymptomatic. Some individuals remain asymptomatic between infection and the development of AIDS.
Main symptoms: prolonged unexplained exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, fever (lasting >10 days), colds, excessive night sweats, mouth/gum sores, swollen and painful glands, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), opportunistic infections (candida, pneumocystis, etc.), tumors (Kaposi’s sarcoma), skin rashes, unintentional weight loss, general malaise, and headache.