Syphilis

Overview

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection, or STI, that is caused by a bacterium known as Treponema pallidum. Syphilis has been regarded as the great imitator, primarily because there are so many signs and symptoms of this particular sexually transmitted infection that are also indistinguishable from the signs and symptoms associated with other diseases and sexually transmitted infections. In 2006, there were more than 36,000 cases of syphilis in the United States alone.

Types

Although there is only one type of syphilis, the infection progresses through phases if treatment is not sought. These phases are known as the primary stage, secondary stage, latent stage and late stage.

Symptoms

The sores associated with syphilis most commonly occur on the external genitals, the anus, in the rectum and on the vagina. Sores can also form on the lips, as well as in the mouth. During the primary stage, the infected individual usually develops a single sore, although multiple sores may also result. The small, round spot is usually firm and painless. It forms where syphilis entered the body and can heal without treatment after three to six weeks.

The secondary stage is marked by non-itchy skin rashes, particularly on the hands and feet. The rashes are sometimes accompanied by other symptoms, like fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches and fatigue. These symptoms will resolve without treatment; however, the infection will progress to the latent stage without antibiotics.

The latent stage, which can last for years, starts when the symptoms of both the primary and secondary stages disappear. Only about 15% of infected individuals will ever develop symptoms from the late stage of syphilis. At this point, the infection can cause very serious damage to the body, including paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, dementia, and in some rare cases, death.

Causes/Risk Factors

Syphilis is passed from one person to another through direct contact with a sore. Unfortunately, because many people do not immediately realize they have developed a syphilis sore, the disease can go unnoticed and can be transmitted to sexual partners. Transmission of the syphilis bacterium occurs during vaginal sex, anal sex or oral sex. Pregnant women who have the disease can pass it to their babies, which can result in birth defects or even loss of the child. The best way to prevent contracting syphilis is to practice safe sex or to abstain from sex completely.

Tests/Diagnosis

Health care providers can diagnose syphilis by examining the material from an infectious sore, which is known as a chancre. If syphilis bacteria are present in the sore, they will show up when observed through a special instrument known as a dark field microscope. Another way to determine whether or not someone has syphilis is to conduct a normal blood test, as the body of an infected person will attempt to produce syphilis antibodies when the bacteria are present.

Treatment

In its early stages, syphilis is easy to cure. One single injection of an antibiotic known as penicillin into a muscle can cure any person who has had syphilis for a year or less. For those who have had it longer, additional intramuscular injections will be required. There are other antibiotics that are available for anyone who is allergic to penicillin. There are no over the counter drugs or home remedies that will eliminate the infection, so seeking assistance from a physician is vital if you believe that you have syphilis.