Syphilis
Is a sexually transmitted infection.
It can also be spread from mother to child during pregnancy.
It can be spread orally and by physical contact with infected lesions.
It gets into the body through small microscopic cuts in the genitals.
Sharing of needles can lead to infection through blood.
It is important because
It can lead to miscarriages/loss of a pregnancy
Can cause developmental problems, organ problems and disability in babies
It can lead to severe illness and death in the infected person
Syphilis can be asymptomatic in some cases
Early syphilis
Primary syphilis
Signs and symptoms
A painless flat rash(in the genitals or mouth or anus) that lasts nearly 2 months
If primary syphilis is not treated it leads to symptoms of secondary syphilis.
Secondary syphilis
Signs and symptoms
Rash can develop on palms and soles
swollen glands
weight loss
feeling tired
ulcers in mouth or tongue
can lead to meningitis
can affect the kidney and liver
bone problems
hair loss
If secondary syphilis is not treated it can lead to symptoms of late syphilis.
Late syphillis
Signs and symptoms
rash
serious heart problems
brain problems like meningitis
eye problems including blindness
lack of sensation in the feet and loss of balance
paralysis
inability to walk
dementia(memory loss)
hearing problems including deafness
Testing
Syphilis is tested by
doing blood tests like TPHA, VDRL or RPR
or testing spinal fluid if there is meningitis
Testing is important if
Pregnant
You have another STD
You are the partner of someone with syphilis/shared needles
You are HIV positive
You have symptoms
Treatment
Treatment is readily available
It consists of an injection of an antibiotic(Benzathine Benzyl Penicillin).
Some people may feel unwell after receiving antibiotics as the syphilis is cleared off.
Early syphilis
Treated with one single injection of antibiotic
Late syphilis
Treated with a single weekly injection of an antibiotic for 3 weeks
Syphilis of the brain or eye is treated for longer periods with antibiotics.(everyday for 2 weeks)
Treatment is given to the infected person and their spouse /partner to get rid of the infection permanently.
The doctor can test to see if you are cured using a blood test.
