Syphilis
Description
Caused by bacteria called Treponema Pallidum, Syphilis is a highly infectious disease primarily
spread by sexual activity, although it is also transmitted in rare cases through blood transfusions
or from mother to fetus. It is more often found in men than women and can also be passed through
prolonged kissing or other close contact with an infected person.
In the past, Syphilis was much more prevalent than now and often resulted in serious long-term health problems. However rates have recently been on the rise again, and if left untreated, it can cause severe problems such as blindness or mental derangement.
Symptoms
The disease typically goes through three stages, although sometimes not all three may be evident.
PRIMARY PHASE: Initially symptoms include one or more chancre sores at the site of the infection. Within 10-90 days after exposure, sores will appear on genitals or around the mouth. While the sore typically disappears after a week or so, the disease itself does not, and progresses on to stage two.
SECONDARY PHASE: Can last one to three months and begins within a few weeks to six months after exposure. Symptoms are varied, earning Syphilis the nickname, “the great pretender,” since it masks itself to look like a number of other illnesses. This phase resolves without treatment most often, but then goes on to its third stage.
Secondary phase symptoms can includes:
• rosy rash on palms of hands and soles of feet
• fever
• swollen lymph glands
• weight loss
• headache
• flulike symptoms
• sore throat
• joint pain
LATENT PHASE: In this final phase, there are occasional relapses back to symptoms of phase two. Two years into the latent phase, there still may be no symptoms, and in general, the individual is not infectious. Only a third of people with latent syphilis will progress into what is known as tertiary syphilis, during which blindness, dementia and impotence can occur. However penicillin most readily treats the disease at this stage, so most do not progress on to those symptoms.
Tests
Since syphilis can appear like so many other diseases, it is important to seek professional help in diagnosing
it. An exam will include a complete sexual history and a physical check for any single, painless sores.
Upon finding a sore, samples will be taken and examined. In secondary phases, rashes tend to appear and lymph nodes swell up. Progression of the rash is critical here, so being aware of its history is important.
Blood testing is the most effective way to diagnose in the second stage to help determine a syphilis infection. Should the disease reach the tertiary stage, a sample of spinal fluid will check for infection and set the course for treatment.
Outcomes
Treatment for syphilis is quite simple. A single injection of penicillin (or a penicillin alternative
if allergic) will cure the disease. Abstaining from sexual contact until the infection has cleared
is critical. Those diagnosed later in the phases, or who have moved to tertiary, will require more
injections.
With prompt diagnosis, syphilis is highly treatable, however without treatment or if treatment comes too late, permanent damage can be done to the heart and brain, possibly even after the infection is destroyed.
After being injected with penicillin, an unusual reaction can occur within hours of the start of treatment. This reaction — the body’s response to the dying bacteria — can worsen symptoms, but only very briefly. Resulting symptoms can be lessened with bed rest, plenty of liquids and pain relievers.
