Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

For a suspected STI with vesicular lesions, which pathogen is least recommended to test for?

1. Trichomonas

2. Treponema

3. HIV

4. Herpes virus

The correct answer is: Trichomonas

In the context of suspected sexually transmitted infections (STIs) presenting with vesicular lesions, the focus is primarily on pathogens that are known to cause such lesions. Herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is responsible for genital herpes, is a common cause of vesicular lesions and testing for it would be crucial. Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, can also present with lesions and therefore, testing for it is relevant. HIV, while not directly causing vesicular lesions, is an important STI to screen for in sexually active individuals, especially if they have risk factors or symptoms suggesting that they might be infected. In contrast, Trichomonas vaginalis typically does not present with vesicular lesions. It is primarily associated with a different clinical picture, often causing vaginitis with symptoms like itchiness, discharge, and sometimes a foul odor, rather than vesicular ulcers. Therefore, testing for Trichomonas in the case of suspected STIs with vesicular lesions is the least recommended among the options provided, as it is not associated with the lesion type being presented.