What is syphilis?
Syphilis is an infection caused by the spiral-shaped bacterium Treponema pallidum. This sneaky bacterium spreads primarily through sexual contact, but can also be transmitted through blood or from mother to child during pregnancy.
Syphilis Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that’s been around for centuries, yet it remains a significant health concern today.
Syphilis Symptoms
Primary Stage
The primary stage begins 10 to 90 days after exposure, with an average onset of about three weeks.
The hallmark of this stage is a painless sore that appears at the site of infection: often on the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth.
1st Warning Signs
- Appearance: Sores are typically round, firm, and painless, making them easy to overlook.
- Contagiousness: These sores are highly contagious, spreading the bacteria through direct contact during sexual activity.
Duration: Sores heal on their own within 3 to 6 weeks, even without treatment, but the infection remains in the body.
Secondary Stage
If untreated, syphilis progresses to the secondary stage, typically 2 to 10 weeks after the chancre appears.
This stage is marked by systemic symptoms as the bacteria spread through the bloodstream:
Widespread Symptoms
- Rash: A non-itchy, reddish-brown rash on the palms, soles, or other parts of the body. It may be faint and mistaken for another skin condition.
- Flu-like symptoms: Fever, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Mucous membrane patches: White or grayish patches in the mouth, throat, or genitals.
- Hair loss: Patchy hair loss, often described as “moth-eaten.”
Contagiousness: The rash and mucous patches are highly infectious.
Latent Stage
The latent stage begins when symptoms from the secondary stage disappear, sometimes lasting for years.
During this stage, the infection is detectable only through blood tests, making routine syphilis tests critical for sexually active individuals.
The Silent Phase
There are two sub-stages:
- Early Latent: Within the first year, the infection is still transmissible, though no symptoms are present.
- Late Latent: After a year, the risk of transmission decreases, but the bacteria remain in the body.
Tertiary Stage
Tertiary syphilis, which can develop 10 to 30 years after initial infection, is rare today due to effective treatments.
However, if untreated, it can cause life-altering complications:
Severe Complications
- Cardiovascular damage: Aneurysms or heart valve issues.
- Neurological damage: Syphilis can affect the brain, leading to symptoms like memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or even dementia-like symptoms.
- Vision and hearing loss: Syphilis can cause blindness or deafness by damaging the eyes or auditory nerves.
- Organ failure: Damage to the liver, bones, or other organs.
Congenital Syphilis
Pregnant women with syphilis can pass the infection to their baby, leading to congenital syphilis.
Routine prenatal screening and treatment can prevent these devastating outcomes.
A Risk to Newborns
This can result in:
- Miscarriage or stillbirth
- Premature birth
- Bone deformities, anemia, or neurological issues in the newborn
How Is Syphilis Spread?
Syphilis spreads through direct contact with infectious sores or rashes during:
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Close skin-to-skin contact with an infected area
- From mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth
Can syphilis spread from kissing?
While rare, it’s possible if there are infectious sores or mucous patches in the mouth.
How Syphilis Is Detected
- Physical Exam: Doctors look for chancres, rashes, or other symptoms.
- Microscopy: In early stages, doctors may examine fluid from a chancre under a microscope to identify the bacteria.
Blood Tests
Tests like the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) or Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) detect antibodies to Treponema pallidum.
Confirmatory tests, like the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption (FTA-ABS), ensure accuracy.
Is Syphilis Curable?
Yes, syphilis is curable with antibiotics, particularly penicillin, which remains the gold standard. The treatment plan depends on the stage:
- Primary and Secondary Stages: A single intramuscular injection of penicillin G is usually sufficient. For penicillin-allergic patients, alternatives like doxycycline or azithromycin may be used.
Syphilis Treatment
- Latent Stage: Longer courses of penicillin (e.g., weekly injections for three weeks) are required.
- Tertiary Stage: Hospitalization and intravenous penicillin may be necessary to address severe complications.
Congenital Syphilis: Infants receive penicillin under close medical supervision.
How to Protect Yourself
- Use Protection: Condoms and dental dams reduce the risk of transmission during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Get Tested Regularly: Routine syphilis tests are crucial, especially if you have multiple partners or engage in high-risk behaviors.
Prevention
- Limit Partners: Reducing the number of sexual partners lowers your risk.
- Avoid Sharing Needles: This prevents bloodborne transmission.
Prenatal Screening: Pregnant women should be tested to prevent congenital syphilis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is syphilis curable?
Yes, with antibiotics like penicillin, especially when treated early.
Are syphilis sores contagious?
Yes, chancres and secondary-stage rashes are highly contagious through direct contact.
Can syphilis cause infertility?
Yes, untreated syphilis can lead to reproductive complications in both men and women.
Is syphilis spread through saliva?
Saliva alone doesn’t typically transmit syphilis unless there’s direct contact with an open sore.
Can syphilis be transmitted through oral sex?
Absolutely. Chancres or mucous patches in the mouth can spread the bacteria during oral sex.
Can syphilis be detected in urine?
No, syphilis cannot be diagnosed through urine tests. Blood tests or lesion swabs are required.
Does syphilis cause dementia?
Neurosyphilis can cause dementia-like symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion.
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