Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread by sexual contact. If left untreated, it can cause brain, nerve, and tissue damage.

Causes

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The bacterium is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Syphilis is spread by:
  • Vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with an infected person
  • A pregnant woman who passes the infection to her unborn baby
  • Blood exposure such as illegal drug use, or rarely, blood transfusions

Risk Factors

  • Age: 15-34
  • Having sex with a person infected with syphilis
  • Having multiple sex partners
  • Not using a latex condom during vaginal, anal, or oral sex (in a relationship that is not mutually faithful or where syphilis status is unknown)
  • Touching a syphilis sore
  • Past or current sexually transmitted disease

Symptoms

There are four stages of Syphilis: the primary stage, the second stage, latency stage, and the third stage.
  • In the primary stage, single or multiple sores (chancres) appears within 10-90 days of exposure, usually on the genitals. The sore is usually firm, round, small, and painless. It appears on the spot where the bacterium entered the body. It usually lasts one to five weeks and will heal on its own.Without treatment, the infection may move to the second stage.
  • The second stage develops from several weeks to months after infection. It starts with a rash that usually doesn't itch or swollen glands and flu-like symptoms. It may appear on one or more areas of the skin. The rash usually lasts two to six weeks and may appear as:
    • Prickly heat
    • Small blotches or scales
    • Moist warts in the groin area
    • Slimy white patches in the mouth
    • Sunken dark circles the size of a nickel or dime
    • Rashes on the palms and soles
  • The latency stage is characterized by a persistent infection without symptoms. This may last for many years and may or may not progress to the third stage.
  • The third stage develops many months—or even years—after the initial infection. The bacterium begins to damage the brain, nerves, eyes heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. Damage can be serious enough to cause death. Symptoms include:
    • Small bumps on the skin, bones, or internal organs
    • Heart and blood vessel problems
    • Blindness
    • Central nervous system damage, including weakness, numbness, trouble walking, difficulty with balance, memory problems, loss of bladder control

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor will look for sores on the body and genital area. Material from infectious sores may be examined under a microscope, using a special test called darkfield microscopy. A blood test can detect antibodies to Syphilis. If neurologic symptoms are present, a spinal tap may be performed to check the fluid around the brain and spinal cord.

Treatment

Penicillinkills the bacterium and prevents further damage. One dose will usually cure a person who has had Syphilis for less than a year. If syphilis has been present for more than a year, more doses are needed. A baby born with syphilis needs daily penicillin treatment for at least 10 days. Penicillin will not repair any damage already done. People who are allergic to penicillin can either be desensitized or can be given alternate antibiotics. Anyone infected with Syphilis should avoid sexual relations until treatment is complete and the infection is cleared up. All sex partners should be notified so they can get treatment, too.

Prevention

Syphilis sores can be hidden in the vagina, rectum, or mouth. It may not be obvious that a sex partner has Syphilis . The following practices can help prevent Syphilis:
  • Abstinence from sex
  • A mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner
  • Using a latex condom during vaginal, anal, and oral sex
  • Having regular checkups for sexually transmitted diseases