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SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

INTRODUCTION

According to the Websters' dictionary, a sexually transmitted disease, or commonly termed STD, can be defined as any of various diseases transmitted by direct sexual contacted that include classic venereal diseases (as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chancroid) and other diseases (as hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, giordiasis, and AIDS) that are often or sometimes contracted by other sexual means (Internet 3).   This lab report will be dealing with three specific types of STDs each from a different origin.   Information will be given on each STD with reference to their common/scientific names, life cycle, transmission, and other key factors that influence and maintain the existence of the STD.   This report deals with what may be everyday termed diseases however, these STDs affect one in four adolescents before the age of eighteen.   Though these STDs are so common and spoken of so often, without early diagnosis and treatment they pose a serious and may be, even a fatal treat to someone who is infected and also their sexual partners or just innocent people who have come into contact with an infected person.

Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1)
The viral disease that will be discussed is the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1).   This STD as stated before is a viral disease, of which a virus can be defined as any of various submicroscopic parasites of plants, animals and bacteria that often cause disease and that essentially of a core of RNA or DNA surrounded by a protein coat.   Unable to replicate without a host cell, viruses are typically not considered living organisms.
HSV-1 is usually associated with infections of the lips, mouth, and face.   It is especially common in children between the ages of one and three years old and may cause lesions inside the mouth and inflamed gums.   It causes cold sores or fever blisters and is transmitted by something as simple as oral or respiratory secretions (for example, sneezing or coughing...