The Comprehensive STD & Sexual Health Panel is critically used for the diagnosis and screening of several significant infections:
Acute Viral Hepatitis:
This component diagnoses active infections with Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C viruses. Hepatitis viruses can cause inflammation of the liver, leading to acute illness and, in the case of HBV and HCV, chronic conditions that may progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Early detection is crucial for managing the disease and preventing transmission.
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection:
This test identifies Chlamydia, one of the most common bacterial STIs. Often asymptomatic, untreated Chlamydia can lead to serious reproductive health issues, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause chronic pain and infertility, and epididymitis in men. It can also cause urethritis, cervicitis, and rectal infections.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection:
The panel includes tests for HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is typically associated with oral herpes (cold sores), while HSV-2 is generally linked to genital herpes. Both can cause painful blisters and sores, and transmission can occur even when no symptoms are present. This test helps identify past exposure, which is important for counseling and managing outbreaks.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection:
This highly sensitive test detects HIV-1 and HIV-2, including early acute infection. Early diagnosis of HIV is paramount for initiating timely antiretroviral therapy (ART), which can effectively suppress the virus, improve the quality of life for infected individuals, and significantly reduce the risk of transmission to others.
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Infection:
This test identifies Gonorrhea, another prevalent bacterial STI that can affect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Similar to Chlamydia, Gonorrhea often presents asymptomatically but can lead to severe complications like PID, infertility, and disseminated gonococcal infection if left untreated.
Syphilis Infection:
The Syphilis screening cascade detects antibodies to Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. Syphilis is a complex infection that progresses through primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages, potentially leading to severe complications affecting the heart, brain, and other organs. Early diagnosis allows for effective antibiotic treatment, preventing progression and long-term damage.
