Summary
A highly contagious sexually transmitted bacterial infection characterized by painless sore on the genitals, rectum or mouth.
Causes:
Syphilis is a highly contagious, bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) which causes serious, life-threatening complications, if left untreated.
Know MoreSymptoms:
Presenting as painless sores, called chancres, syphilis progresses through various stages, remaining inactive for many years.
Know MoreFacts
Treatable by a medical professional
Diagnosed by medical professional
Requires lab test or imaging
Can last several days or weeks
Transmitted through sexual contact
Common for ages 18-35
More common in males
Urgent medical attention recommended in severe cases
Know More
Types:
Congenital syphilis: Spread of infection from pregnant mother to the fetus
Stages:
Early or primary stage: Infected persons develop one or more painless ulcers that often heal without any treatment
Secondary stage: Typically characterized by rose “copper penny” rashes on the hands and soles, which often heal without treatment
Latent stage: The bacteria is inactive, without any symptoms
Tertiary stage: A severe stage that affects multiple organs, causing death, if not treated
Symptoms
Symptoms vary as the disease progresses.
Primary stage
Enlarged lymph nodes near the groin
Small, painless sores on the skin anywhere on the body, including inside the rectum and vagina
Secondary stage
Small, reddish-brown sores on the skin
sores in the mouth, vagina, or anus
Fever
Swollen lymph glands
Weight loss
Hair loss
Headache and muscle aches
Extreme tiredness
Latent stage: No symptoms are noted for many years. But the person is highly contagious and progressing to the next stage
Tertiary stage
Permanent organ damage
Death
Causes
Syphilis is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Infection can be due to:
Direct contact with an infected person’s sores during sexual activity
Direct contact with the sores by kissing
Cuts, abrasions, or wounds exposed to infected sores
Infected mother to unborn child during pregnancy or childbirth
The risk factors include:
Unprotected sex
Multiple sex partners
HIV infection
Man who has sex with men
Diagnosis
It can be diagnosed by blood test and spinal fluid tests.
Physical examination of the rashes or sores.
Blood test to detect bacteria.
Examination of the fluid from the sore.
Extracting the spinal fluid to examine for infection in case of nervous system problems.
Treatments
Syphilis treatment involves antibiotics. Sexual partner should also be treated.
Complications
Complications are noted in the tertiary stage and include:
Brain or neurological problems
Stroke
Infection and inflammation of membranes covering the brain and spinal cord
Numbness
Deafness
Visual problems or blindness
Changes in personality
Dementia
Diseases of the valves of heart
Aneurysm
Inflammation of blood vessels
Paralysis
Increased risk of HIV infection
Still birth or death of infant a few days after birth in case of congenital syphilis
Prevention
Avoid sexual contact with infected persons
Use a dental dam or condom in every sexual encounter
Avoid multiple sexual partners
Avoid sharing needles
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
Is the condition contagious and does it spread to my family members?
Is it life-threatening?
Is it curable?
What precautions should I take to prevent spread of infection?
Nutrition
Foods to eat:
Foods which increase immunity like garlic onions carrots cauliflower and spinach
Dry fruits which boosts defence like walnut, almond and pumpkin seeds
Blue fish and eggs
Whole grain cereals like rice, wheat and oats
Foods to avoid:
Soured buttermilk
Heavy meals that take long time to digest
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