Syphilis

Overview

Syphilis is caused by infection of the spirochaete Treponema pallidum, through abrasions in the skin or mucous membranes. This infection is usually transmitted via sexually in adults, apart from that it can also be passed by kissing, blood transfusion and skin injury. In some cases, it has been reported that transplacental infection of the fetus can occur.

Signs and Symptoms

Primary stage (14 to 28 days after first exposure): Chancre develops with enlarged draining lymph nodes, Secondary stage (6 to 8 weeks later): skin rash, mucous membrane lesions (condylomata), mild fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, patchy hair loss, weight loss, muscle aches, fatigue, Latent stage: asymptomatic, Tertiary stage: affects heart, blood vessels and nervous system, Neurosyphilis: severe headache, difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness and dementia

Common Causes

Cause of syphilis is a bacterium called Treponema pallidum, The most common route of transmission is through contact with an infected person's sore during sexual activity ; less commonly, syphilis may spread through direct unprotected close contact

Risk Factors

Engage in unprotected sex, Have sex with multiple partners, Homosexuality, HIV

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Serological tests: venereal diseases research laboratory (VDRL) test, rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test, treponemal antigen-based enzyme immunoassay, T. pallidum hemagglutination test (TPHA), Chest Xray, ECG, Echocardiogram, Biopsy

Treatment and Prevention

Penicillin is the choice of drug, Longer courses is needed in late syphilis