Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease capable of affecting any organ of the body.
What are the causes of Syphilis?
Close sexual contact with an infected person.
An infected mother can pass on the infection to the child during birth.
Blood transfusions from infected person.
What are the symptoms of Syphilis?
Primary stage : Painless ulcer develops at the sites of infection and heals on its own within 2-3 weeks.
Secondary stage : Fever, sore throat and generalized weakness, joint pain, generalized skin reaction. Any organ might be affected.
Tertiary stage : Ulcerated lesion anywhere in the skin. Any organ may be affected.
Congenital Symptoms : Occurs between the ages of 2-6 weeks. Failure to thrive, skin lesions, discharge and sores are seen.
How can we diagnose Syphilis?
Diagnosis of the sexually transmitted syphilis is done by the examination of the symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid. Tests like dark ground microscopy, VDRL test and Chest X-ray further confirm the infection.
How can Syphilis be treated?
Treatment and control of the infection with antibiotics is advised. Also, the partner of the patient has to be treated.
Follow up is important in all patients.
More Valuable information about Syphilis…
All patients treated for syphilis must undergo follow up at about 3 month intervals for the first 2 years.
It is important to have careful management of new born if the mother is having treatment for syphilis because if the mother is on an antibiotic erythromycin stearate, it crosses the placental barrier poorly and babies need treatment for congenital syphilis.
Recent blood tests:
Venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test: To help identify cause of pelvic pain, especially when syphilis is suspected. Positive result indicates syphilis.
Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test: To confirm syphilis, especially in early stages.
Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test: Indicative of syphilis.
Micromagglutination, treponema pallidum (MHA-TP): To confirm syphilis.
Frequently asked questions about Syphilis :
Is syphilis completely curable?
It depends on the stage at which the infection is treated. Early syphilis responds favorably but once tissue damage had occurred in the later stage, the process may be halted but cannot be reverted.
Do condoms protect us from acquiring the infection?
Yes, condoms greatly reduce the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases including, syphilis. However it has to be used for all kinds of sex if oral, anal or vaginal.
What are the other STD’S?
Some of the STD’S are AIDS, gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial vaginosis, etc.,
Glossary
VDRL : Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory.
Congenital : Present since birth.
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