Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are well-documented pathogens known for causing cervical infections. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and can lead to cervicitis, which is the inflammation of the cervix. Similarly, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, can also infect the cervix, causing similar symptoms and complications.

Both of these organisms are typically transmitted through sexual contact and are often screened for in individuals with risk factors for STIs. The significance of accurately identifying these pathogens lies in their potential to cause serious reproductive health issues, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility if left untreated.

In contrast, while other options include pathogens that can be sexually transmitted or associated with reproductive health issues, they do not specifically correlate with cervical infections the way Chlamydia and Neisseria do. For instance, while herpes simplex virus and HPV can affect the cervix, they are primarily known for causing other types of infections or lesions rather than direct acute cervical infections. Similarly, HIV and syphilis, while serious STIs, do not typically manifest as cervical infections.