​
-
Syphilis is caused by bacteria named Treponema Pallidum
-
Syphilis can spread through cuts on the skin or through the sexual route
-
Syphilis during pregnancy can also be transmitted to the foetus. This is known as congenital syphilis. It may lead to still born baby
SYPHILIS
Stages of Syphilis
Primary Stage:
-
The bacteria multiplies in the body of the infected individual and a structure known as a chancre develops
-
A chancre is a painless and bulging swelling on the genital area of the infected individual
-
Note that the primary chancre will be absent in cases of infection through open wounds
-
The bacteria is multiplying in this stage and does not show any other symptoms
-
The chancre will disappear after 4-6 weeks
​
Secondary Stage:
-
The bacteria now spreads through the lymphatic system to other parts of the body
-
Rashes begin to appear on the face and the palm and the lymph nodes start to swell up
-
This occurs due to the immune reaction to the growth of the bacteria
-
The maximum symptoms of syphilis present themselves in this stage of the infection
-
The symptoms usually resolve within 2 to 6 months and people with a healthy immune system usually recover after this stage
​
Latent Stage:
-
This is the stage where the bacteria continues to multiply in some individuals and spreads to the nervous system and the eye
-
It usually occurs in people with a severely weak immune system and in children
-
This is known as the latent stage of syphilis because the symptoms do not appear during this stage while the bacteria continues to grow
​
Tertiary Stage:
-
The tertiary stage of syphilis is the presentation of neurosyphilis as the bacteria spreads to the nervous system
-
The bacteria also spreads to other organs like the heart
-
This stage presents about 10-30 years after the infection occurs
Spread of Syphilis
Syphilis spreads through the following routes:
-
Unprotected vaginal or anal sex
-
Unprotected oral sex
-
Through sores or cuts in the mouth, rectum or lips of the infected individual
-
Infected mother to unborn baby through placenta
​
Symptoms of Syphilis
Syphilis symptoms varies according to the stage you are in:​
Complications of Syphilis
If not treated on time, following complications can occur:
-
Nervous system issues might show up like meningitis, paralysis, loss of sight, loss of hearing and brain damage
-
It can lead to permanent damage to heart
-
Syphilis also increases your chances of contracting HIV
​
Prevention of Syphilis
-
Use a condom during oral, vaginal or anal sex
-
Do not share sex toys and wash them properly before use
-
Wait until two weeks after the treatment to completely avoid chances of spread
​
Treatment of Syphilis
-
Penicillin is the preferred drug which is quite effective in this case. A shot of penicillin is given on the hip and three shots in weekly intervals if the disease has been present since long
-
The sexual partner/s should be traced and tested for the disease
-
All pregnant women should also be tested during pregnancy
-
If not treated on time, Syphilis can cause permanent damage to heart and the brain