Symptoms
The symptoms of a smear infection vary greatly, as many different pathogens can be transmitted in this way. Very often gastrointestinal infections or colds are transmitted via smear infections. Accordingly, the symptoms most frequently consist of diarrhoea and digestive problems, a cold and cough or conjunctivitis. Certain bacteria can also cause other symptoms. Chlamydia affects the genital area as well as the urethra, where it causes symptoms such as pain when urinating.
Diagnosis
A direct diagnosis of a smear infection cannot be made. It can only be suspected on the basis of the present disease that the pathogens have entered the body through a smear infection. This is particularly likely in the case of diarrhoeal diseases. If a bacterial disease is suspected, a smear is usually taken from the patient’s throat in order to detect it.
Therapy
The treatment does not depend on how the pathogens entered the body, but on the type of pathogen and the disease it causes. Diarrheal diseases usually do not require special therapy if they are caused by viruses. It is sufficient to follow a light diet and drink enough fluids.
Even in the case of bacterial diarrhoea caused by salmonella, for example, there is usually no need for additional treatment. Only if the course of the disease is very serious or if there is an immune deficiency, the administration of a drug is recommended. A chlamydia infection, on the other hand, requires treatment with an antibiotic.
Smear infection with HIV?
HIV is not transmitted by a smear infection in the true sense. Although the pathogens are transmitted by infectious bodily secretions, they are only transmitted by blood, semen and vaginal secretions and only if these are transmitted in sufficiently large quantities. This quantity varies according to external circumstances. Contact infections, such as via the door handle or saliva transmission, do not lead to infection. Therefore there is no risk of infection in everyday life with HIV positive people.This is only to be feared during sexual intercourse, major bleeding or the use of syringes already used when consuming drugs.
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