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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is treatable with medication. Since most infections are asymptomatic and unrecognised, the infection goes untreated, leading to serious health problems. According to the World Health Organisation reports, 8 million adults between 15 and 49 years old have acquired syphilis in 2022.1 The disease is often spread through sexual activity, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex, and is also highly contagious. This blog post aims to educate you about the common causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and syphilis prevention.
Synopsis
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. The infection usually stays in the individual's body before causing any symptoms; as a result, infected individuals tend to pass the syphilis to their sexual partners.
Syphilis Stages
The progression of syphilis happens through four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and late (tertiary) syphilis. During the primary and secondary stages, individuals are more likely to transmit the infection to their sexual partners.
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Primary syphilis: After 2 to 12 weeks of exposure to syphilis, a chancre (painless sore) develops on the genitals and mouth. The sores resolve independently but may also progress into the second stage in some cases.
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Secondary syphilis: About 1 to 6 months after the sores, a bumpy and rough rash develops all over the body, including in the palms and soles. The affected individuals also develop symptoms of fever, fatigue, muscle aches, weight loss, headache, hair loss, and swollen lymph nodes along with the rash. The symptoms last for years, and without treatment, they can progress to a latent stage.
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Latent syphilis: During this stage, you may experience mild flare-ups, or it may become severe enough to damage your heart, bones, nerves, and organs. The symptoms can last up to 20 years, and the disease transmission is rare.
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Late stage: Only a few people progress to this stage where the symptoms become severe enough to damage the brain, causing dementia and cognitive problems. They also develop issues in the heart, movement disorders, nerve problems, seizures, and vision problems. Syphilis at this stage can be life-threatening.
Syphilis Symptoms
Depending on the stage, symptoms associated with syphilis can vary. During the first stage, sores develop on the genitals, while in the second stage, rashes and flu-like symptoms appear. The symptoms are not apparent in the next stages; however, it does not mean the infection has resolved.
Consult our gynaecologist in Delhi if you are experiencing syphilis symptoms.
Syphilis Causes
The bacterial infection can spread when healthy individuals come in contact with a syphilis sore; the bacteria can easily pass through cuts on the skin and mucous membranes. It also spreads by sharing needles, from the infected mother to the child at birth or while breastfeeding. The infection primarily spreads through unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex. In rare instances, blood transfusion can also lead to the spread of infections.
The incidence of syphilis is higher in individuals who indulge in sex without protection, have multiple sexual partners, in men having sex with men, or with individuals suffering from HIV, syphilis, or other sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and herpes).
However, you must remember that sharing a toilet, touching objects, using the affected person’s clothing, or eating from the same utensil does not lead to the spread of syphilis.
Diagnosis for syphilis
Your sexual history—-knowing whether you practise safe sex—-can help determine your syphilis risk. To test for syphilis, a blood sample is collected to look for infection. Fluid discharge from sores or a small skin sample may also be sent to the laboratory for analysis to determine if syphilis bacteria are present. If a syphilis diagnosis gets confirmed, it is important to inform your sexual partner, as they may also require treatment. Individuals with tertiary syphilis and nervous system problems may require Lumbar Puncture to confirm the presence of bacteria in spinal fluid.
Syphilis Treatment
Antibiotics, especially Penicillin, are commonly prescribed medications for syphilis and are also the sole treatment. The duration for which you need to take the medication depends on your syphilis stage and symptoms.
Even if the symptoms of syphilis resolve, you must continue with the prescribed course of antibiotics. Although antibiotics cure the infection, they do not help repair the organ damage caused by syphilis. After the treatment, you will be tested again to ensure the infection has resolved.
Consult our gynaecology hospital in Delhi if you need syphilis treatment.
Prevention of syphilis
The best way to prevent syphilis is by practising safe sex by using condoms. Even if you have had syphilis in the past, there is a risk for re-infection. Therefore, individuals with higher risk are often encouraged to get tested regularly. Also, avoid sexual relationships with multiple partners
Conclusion
Syphilis is a preventable and treatable sexually transmitted bacterial infection. If the infection is left untreated, it can lead to severe health consequences, even if the symptoms resolve. Contact health care providers at Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, if you think you have or have been exposed to syphilis.
FAQ's
Individuals who have sores or breaks in the skin due to syphilis are more at risk for developing infection from HIV. The risk factors associated with syphilis are the same for HIV.
Congenital syphilis is the transmission of syphilis from the infected mother to her baby during pregnancy. The baby can develop infection through the placenta or through the vaginal birth if the mother is infected.
Pregnant women should be tested at least once throughout their pregnancy. If tested positive, they should receive treatment immediately to avoid low birth weight or stillbirth.
Alternative antibiotics such as doxycycline, ceftriaxone, or others may be considered by people who are allergic to penicillin. There are no alternatives for pregnant women or congenital syphilis, and penicillin is the preferred treatment.
You can schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, by contacting us or visiting our website.
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