Syphillis

Syphilis is caused by a spirochete by name of Treponema Pallidum. A person can have it without knowing and pass it on to others.

Transmission
Syphilis is sexually transmitted through penetrative vaginal, oral, or anal sex. There is evidence that transmission by close (non-sexual) contact with a case of secondary syphilis can occur. Pregnant women with syphilis can give it to their unborn child, sometimes causing birth defects and death.

Signs & Symptoms

Congenital Syphilis: Two stages

1. Early Stage: Present within two years of life. Anemia, Hepatosplenomegaly & Neurosyphilis
2. Late stage: Appears after 2 years of age. bCharacterized by Hutchison’s teeth, Saber shines and Interstitial Keratitis.

Acquired Syphilis: presents in three stages

Stage 1 (Primary): 
A painless sore (Chancre) may appear at the spot where the germ first enters the body. Usually this will happen from nine to ninety days after sexual contact with an infected person. This sore may appear around or in the vagina, on the penis, or inside the mouth or anus. Sores inside the vagina are often unnoticed and may disappear on their own if not treated, but the germ remains.

Stage 2 (Secondary):
From six weeks to six months after infection, flu-like symptoms may be experienced. Sometimes a rash appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, as well as over the body. In few cases papules may appear (Condylomata Lata) on the skin and the person is extremely contagious.  In the second stage, symptoms may go away on their own, but the germ remains in the body.

Latent Syphilis: 
Asymptomatic for many years and person is not infectious.

Stage 3 (Tertiary): 
Years later, if untreated, syphilis may cause serious health problems.

Testing
A simple blood test can tell whether one has been exposed to syphilis.

Treatment
Syphilis is treated with antibiotics and Benzathine Pencilline is the drug of choice. Treatment involves both partners to avoid re-infection from the untreated partner.