Question

All reproductive tract infections $\left(RTIs\right)$ are $STDs$, but all $STDs$ are not $RTIs$. Justify with an example.

Answer 1

Reproductive tract infections $\left(RTIs\right)$

Reproductive tract infections $\left(RTIs\right)$ are the infections caused by bacteria, virus or fungus infecting the reproductive organs.

Examples include genital warts, trichomoniasis etc.

Sexually transmitted diseases $\left(STDs\right)$

Sexually transmitted diseases $\left(STDs\right)$ refer to the diseases which are transmitted through sexual intercourse.

Examples include $AIDS$ (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome), chlamydia etc.

All $RTIs$ are $STDs$

The pathogens causing $RTIs$ are mainly transmitted through body fluids such as semen or vaginal secretions during sexual intercourse and infect the reproductive organs. Hence, it can be said that all $RTIs$ are sexually transmitted diseases.

All $STDs$ are not $RTIs$

$STDs$ such as $AIDS$ (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome) is caused by the $HIV$ (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
$HIV$ can be transmitted through blood, semen or vaginal secretions. Hence, $AIDS$ is categorised under $STD$.

$HIV$ primarily infects the immune cells such as macrophages and helper $T$ cells, eventually resulting in the decreased immunity. Hence, it is incorrect to categorise $AIDS$ under $RTI$.

Therefore, it can be said that all $STDs$ are not $RTIs$ because all sexually transmitted diseases do not infect reproductive tracts or organs.