Syphilis

Definition

Syphilis is a disease caused die to infection by Treponema pallidum. It is a sexually transmitted disease.

Alternative names

Syph, Lues, Cupid’s disease

Causes, incidence and risk factors

The disease is transmitted through interrupted skin, sexual contact and from pregnant mother to the unborn child.

There are three stages of syphilis. In the primary stage the symptoms are seen after 2-3 weeks after the first infection. The symptoms disappear in 4-6 weeks even if the treatment is not given. If the disease is not treated it is more likely to develop the secondary stage. In the secondary stage the symptoms are seen 2-8 weeks after the initial symptoms. In tertiary syphilis the disease spreads to all parts of the body including brain, nervous system, skin, heart and bones and it is the final stage of the disease. If the disease is not treated there is a latent stage after the second stage there may not be any symptoms for years or they never appear or there may be tertiary stage.

Symptoms

Symptoms may or may not be there. The symptoms differ depending on the stage of the disease. In the first stage there may be painless sores or cancers on genitalia or anywhere on the body (at the site of contact) and inflamed lymph nodes. The sore or cancer heals even without treatment in 4-6 weeks. In the secondary stage there may be rash on the body (body extremities like palms and feet), pain in any part of the body, fever, malaise, sore throat, weight loss, loss of appetite and fatigue. Rarely there is hepatitis, meningitis, hypertrophic gastritis, rectosigmoid mass, periostitis, optic neuritis, arthritis, interstitial keratitis, renal disease, uveitis, iritis and ulcerative colitis. In the tertiary stage there are problems related to brain, nervous system and heart. The stage is reached 1-10 years after the initial infection. Granulomas, soft tumor like balls are formed on any part of the body.

In case of congenital syphilis symptoms of the child below two years of age are skin sores, body rash, runny nose, fever, infection of the umbilical cord, anemia, jaundice and inflammation of spleen and liver.

Signs and tests

Blood test (serological test) is used to detect syphilis. Other tests are microscopic examination of the sore fluid and lumbar puncture.

Treatment

Penicillin, tetracycline and doxycycline are the drugs used for the treatment of syphilis. Doxycycline and tetracycline are used in case of allergy to penicillin. The route of administration is decided depending on the stage of the disease (intravenous or intramuscular).

Expectations (Prognosis)

The prognosis is good if the disease is detected and treated in initial stage. Follow up care is important. The disease in later stages even with treatment can cause long term health problems.

Complications

Neurosyphilis, damage to bones and skin and problems of heart and blood vessels which includes swelling and aneurism of the aorta. There may be hyperactive refluxes, personality changes, emotional changes, dementia, deafness, problems with vision, paralysis and generalized paresis of the insane.

If the disease is not treated in case of congenital syphilis tooth abnormalities, developmental delay, deafness, deformities, seizures and death are the possible complications.

Calling your health care provide

If there are symptoms like syphilis or if there is sexual contact with the infected person then it is advised to call the health care provider and take prompt treatment.

Prevention

Having safe sex and screening for syphilis for pregnant women and affected people can prevent further spread of syphilis.

Reference

Nih.gov, wikipedia.com, mayoclinic.com