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Syphilis: An Overview

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), is brought on by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is easily treatable in its early stages, but if treatment is not received, it can result in serious health problems. This paper provides an overview of syphilis, together with information on symptoms, stages, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Transmission

Syphilis mainly spreads through direct contact with a syphilitic sore during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. The sores, also called chancres, usually appear on the lips, mouth, rectum, vagina, anus, or external genitalia. Congenital syphilis, which can cause severe health problems or even death in infants, is a condition that pregnant mothers with syphilis can pass on to their unborn offspring (Ha et al., 2019).

Stages and Symptoms

Syphilis goes through four unique stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Every stage has distinct symptoms that range in intensity.

Primary Stage

Usually, three weeks after exposure, the onset of one or more chancres at the infection site marks the start of this stage. Often, these lesions are painless and may go undetected. Even in the absence of therapy, they recover on their own in three to six weeks (Tudor et al., 2023).

Secondary Stage

The infection advances to the secondary stage, which is marked by mucous membrane lesions and skin rashes, if treatment is not received. Though it can occur anywhere on the body, the rash typically occurs on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Fever, enlarged lymph nodes, sore throats, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and exhaustion are some more symptoms that may be present. Without medical intervention, these symptoms can go away but may return.

Latent Stage

If intervention through therapy is not carried out, the secondary stage symptoms proceed to the latent stage. In this stage, the bacteria continue to exist in the body but do not produce any symptoms. Years may pass during this phase, during which individuals may continue to spread the infection while unaware they are infected (Mayo Clinic, 2021).

Tertiary Stage

The tertiary stage of syphilis can develop years or even decades after the initial infection, with 15–30% of untreated cases reaching this stage. Severe health issues impacting several organ systems, including the liver, blood vessels, heart, bones, and joints, are the hallmarks of this stage. Additionally possible are ocular and neurosyphilis, which can result in neurological and visual issues.

Syphilis: An Overview

Diagnosis and Treatment

Blood tests that identify antibodies generated in reaction to the infection or direct imaging of the organism in a chancre sample are the two methods used to diagnose syphilis. In order to stop the progression to more severe phases, early detection is essential.
Penicillin is the most common antibiotic used to treat syphilis. Penicillin G benzathine is often injected intramuscularly as a single treatment for early-stage syphilis. Alternative antibiotics like doxycycline or azithromycin can be used for penicillin allergies. Notaly, treatment for late-stage syphilis must be longer-term.

Complications

Severe complications from untreated syphilis can include neurological disorders like neurosyphilis, which affects the brain and spinal cord; ocular syphilis, which causes vision impairments or blindness; and cardiovascular disorders, such as aortic aneurysm and aortic valve disease. Infants with congenital syphilis may die or develop serious abnormalities.

Prevention

Having frequent STI screenings and engaging in safe sexual behavior, such as using condoms and dental dams, are important steps in preventing syphilis. To stop reinfection, sexual partners should be educated and given treatment. In order to prevent congenital syphilis, pregnant women should get routine syphilis screenings.

Conclusion

Since untreated syphilis can result in serious complications, it continues to pose a substantial public health concern. As such, early detection and treatment are crucial to control the infection and stop it from spreading. The incidence of syphilis can be decreased through public health programs that emphasize safe sex behaviors, regular screening, and education.

References

Ha, T., Prasanna Tadi, & Dubensky, L. (2019, November 22). Neurosyphilis. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540979/

Tudor, M. E., Al, A. M., & Gossman, W. G. (2023). Syphilis. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534780/