Summary about Disease
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It's typically spread through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an infected person. The disease progresses in stages, with different signs and symptoms associated with each stage. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health problems, including damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, and other organs.
Symptoms
Syphilis symptoms vary depending on the stage of the infection:
Primary Syphilis: Characterized by a painless sore called a chancre at the site of infection (genitals, anus, mouth).
Secondary Syphilis: Rash (often on the palms of hands and soles of feet), fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches.
Latent Syphilis: No visible signs or symptoms. Can last for years.
Tertiary Syphilis: Occurs many years after the initial infection. Can affect the brain, nerves, heart, eyes, bones, and joints, leading to neurological problems, heart disease, blindness, and other serious conditions.
Causes
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It's spread through direct contact with a syphilis sore (chancre) during sexual activity. It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby.
Medicine Used
Penicillin is the preferred treatment for all stages of syphilis. The specific dosage and duration of treatment depend on the stage of the disease. For people who are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics like doxycycline or tetracycline may be used.
Is Communicable
Yes, syphilis is highly communicable, especially during the primary and secondary stages when sores or rashes are present. It's spread through direct contact with these sores during sexual activity. It can also be spread from mother to child during pregnancy.
Precautions
Abstain from sexual activity.
Use condoms correctly and consistently during sexual activity.
Get tested for STIs regularly, especially if you have multiple partners.
Inform your sexual partners if you are diagnosed with syphilis so they can get tested and treated.
Pregnant women should be screened for syphilis as part of routine prenatal care.
Avoid sharing needles or other drug injection equipment.
How long does an outbreak last?
The chancre in primary syphilis typically lasts 3-6 weeks and heals on its own. Secondary syphilis symptoms can last for several weeks to months. Latent syphilis has no visible symptoms, but the infection remains in the body. Tertiary syphilis symptoms can be chronic and progressive, leading to long-term health problems.
How is it diagnosed?
Syphilis is diagnosed through blood tests. These tests look for antibodies that the body produces in response to the Treponema pallidum bacteria. In some cases, a sample may be taken from a chancre for microscopic examination.
Timeline of Symptoms
Primary Syphilis: 10-90 days (average 21 days) after exposure, a chancre appears.
Secondary Syphilis: 2-10 weeks after the chancre heals, a rash develops.
Latent Syphilis: Can begin weeks to years after secondary syphilis symptoms disappear.
Tertiary Syphilis: Can develop 10-30 years after the initial infection.
Important Considerations
Syphilis can increase the risk of HIV transmission.
Neurosyphilis (syphilis affecting the brain and nervous system) can occur at any stage of the infection.
Congenital syphilis (passed from mother to child) can cause serious health problems in newborns.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Follow-up testing is important to ensure that treatment has been successful.