Syphilis is a complex sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum. It is often called the "great imitator" because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases. The annual number of reported cases of syphilis in the U.S. is 70,000.
Common symptoms
Syphilis has several phases that may overlap one another
They do not always follow in the same sequence
Symptoms may vary with each phase
It is important to remember: the majority of the time, an infected person has no physical symptoms
Primary phase is the time between infection and the appearance of the first symptom and can range from 10 - 90 days (average 21 days).
Symptoms of the primary phase
Painless sores or open, wet ulcers (called chancres). They appear at the spot where the bacteria entered the body
Chancres usually last 3 - 6 weeks and will heal on their own
Chancres appear on the genitals, in the vagina, on the cervix, lips, mouth or anus
Swollen glands may also occur during the primary phase
If adequate treatment is not administered, the infection progresses to the secondary stage.
In the secondary phase other symptoms often appear from three to six weeks after the sores appear. These symptoms may come and go for up to two years.
Symptoms of the secondary phase
Body rashes that last from two to six weeks
This rash often appears as rough red or reddish brown spots both on the palms of the hands and on the bottom of the feet
Even without treatment the rashes clear up on their own
Other symptoms may include mild fever, fatigue, sore throat, hair loss, weight loss, swollen glands, headache and muscle pains
The late or tertiary phase is when one-third of untreated people with syphilis experience serious damage to the nervous system, heart, brain, or other organs. This stage can last for years, or even decades.
Symptoms of the tertiary phase
Mental illness
Blindness
Other neurological problems
Heart disease
Death
Latent phase If untreated, syphilis may lapse into a latent stage. The disease is no longer contagious and no symptoms are present. About one-third of the individuals who are not treated will have no further complications of the disease.
How syphilis is spread
Through vaginal, oral or anal intercourse
Especially contagious when there are sores
The liquid that oozes from the sores is very infectious.
It can also be spread during pregnancy to the fetus. The effect of syphilis on a fetus is very serious. If untreated, the risks of stillbirth or serious birth defects are high. Birth defects include damage to the heart, brain, and skeleton as well is blindness.
Diagnosis
Microscopic examination of fluid from sores
Blood tests
Examination of spinal fluid
Treatment
Antibiotics, especially penicillin G, are successful in killing the bacteria that cause syphilis.
Damage caused by the disease prior to treatment may not be undone
Protection and prevention
Condoms and other forms of latex offer very good protection during vaginal, anal and oral intercourse.
Hudson Health Center Athens, Ohio 45701 T: (740) 593-1660
