Syphilis: Causes, Symptoms, Stages, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Study Notes

Syphilis: A Comprehensive Overview

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This bacterium can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. In this article, we'll explore the causes, symptoms, stages, diagnosis, and treatment of this centuries-old disease.

Causes

Syphilis is contracted through direct contact with a syphilis sore, usually during sexual activity. The bacteria can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy.

Symptoms

Syphilis has four main stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. At each stage, it presents different symptoms.

Primary stage: A single, painless, round, or oval sore known as a chancre appears at the location where the bacteria entered the body. Chancres are usually found on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. The chancre may go unnoticed, as it typically heals within three to six weeks without treatment.
Secondary stage: Symptoms may develop weeks to months after the chancre has healed. Common secondary syphilis symptoms include skin rash, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, and fatigue.
Latent stage: Symptoms are not present during this stage, which can last for years. However, syphilis remains active in the body and can progress to tertiary syphilis.
Tertiary stage: Late-stage syphilis can cause severe damage to internal organs, including the brain, heart, eyes, and nerves. Syphilis in its final stage can lead to blindness, paralysis, and dementia.

Stages

Primary syphilis: This stage lasts for about three to six weeks and is characterized by a single chancre.
Secondary syphilis: Symptoms may develop weeks to months after the chancre has healed.
Latent syphilis: No symptoms are present.
Tertiary syphilis: Severe damage to internal organs occurs after years of untreated syphilis.

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can diagnose syphilis by taking a blood sample and using serological tests to detect antibodies produced by the body in response to the bacteria. A doctor may also perform a physical examination to look for symptoms like chancres, rashes, and swollen lymph nodes.

Treatment

Syphilis is treatable with antibiotics in its early stages. Primary and secondary syphilis can be cured with a single shot of penicillin or a single oral dose of azithromycin for people who are allergic to penicillin. However, once the disease has progressed to the tertiary stage, it can no longer be cured, but treatment can help prevent further complications.

Syphilis is a serious and preventable disease. By understanding its causes, symptoms, stages, diagnosis, and treatment, individuals can take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their partners from contracting or transmitting syphilis.

Description

Explore the causes, symptoms, stages, diagnosis, and treatment of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. Learn about the different stages of syphilis, from primary to tertiary, and how healthcare professionals diagnose and treat the infection.