Syphilisis asexually transmitted infection (STI)because of a bacterium known asTreponema pallidum.
The infection spreads through sexual contact and can progress through four stages if left untreated.
The four stages, primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary, come with their signs and symptoms.
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The bacteria that cause infection can spread throughout the body, causing different health issues.
The types of syphilis include neurosyphilis, ocular syphilis, and otosyphilis.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for syphilis and the stages of infection.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealand and © Dr. Richard Ashton www.dermnetnz.org 2023.
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Syphilis Stages and Symptoms
There are four stages of a syphilis infection.
Primary
The primary stage of syphilis typically occurs within three weeks of exposure to the bacteria.
The site chancre is where syphilis enters the body.
Sometimes, they may fill with fluid, but that is not always the case.
Typically, the secondary stage begins within eight weeks of a chancre developing in the primary stage.
Like other stages of a syphilis infection, the symptoms of the secondary stage go away independently.
However, the bacteria are still in the body.
After this stage and its symptoms subside, if the person goes untreated, syphilis goes into latency.
Latent
The latent stage falls into two categories: early latent syphilis and late latent syphilis.
Little evidence is available to determine how long the latent stage lasts.
It can go on for a decade or more.
During this time, a person will experience no symptoms of syphilis.
Tertiary
The fourth and final stage of syphilis is known as thetertiary stage.
It is also important to note that the below types of syphilis can occur at any stage of infection.
How Long Can You Have Syphilis Without Knowing?
When the latent stage hits, there are no symptoms at all.
What Does Syphilis Look Like?
Syphilis has many faces and will look different during each stage.
During primary syphilis, a person may not notice the chancre that develops.
Mucus lesions known as condyloma lata develop during stage 2.
They appear as raised bumps that can become the same color or lighter than a persons skin tone.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealand and Dr. Richard Ashton www.dermnetnz.org 2023.
What Causes Syphilis?
Thetreponema pallidumbacteria causes syphilis.
When the bacteria enter the body, it remains until treated.
The bacterium can evade detection from the immune system and invade the entire body if left for too long.
Any sexually active person can contract syphilis, but some are more at risk than others.
Those most at risk are men who have sex with other men.
Others who are most at risk include:
How Common Is Syphilis Overall?
Research shows roughly 17.7 million people were diagnosed with syphilis globally in 2012 alone.
The age group most associated with the infection is those between 15 and 49.
Its estimated that 5.6 million new cases will be documented each year.
When Are You Most Contagious With Syphilis?
Syphilis is highly contagiousbut not during all four stages.
That said, passing on the infection during the late latent stage and tertiary infection is still possible.
Passing on syphilis during these stages of infection does not happen often.
For How Long Are You Contagious?
you’re able to, however, pass on the infection during other stages.
The symptoms are non-specific, but it is always better to be sure.
People in higher-risk populations should also get regularSTI screeningsregardless of symptoms.
The tests used most often to diagnose syphilis are known as Treponemal tests.
It works by detecting damage to cells due to the syphilis bacteria.
If someone is exhibiting signs ofneurosyphilis, they may need to undergo further testing with a cerebrospinal fluid evaluation.
During this test, spinal fluid is extracted from the body and examined for signs of bacterial infection.
Other Tests to Confirm Infection
In some cases, reactive blood tests may help diagnose syphilis.
However, they are not as efficient at determining the activity of a syphilis infection.
People who have had syphilis before and are retesting for the infection may take them.
Treatment for Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that requiresantibiotictreatment.
That said, treatment for the infection depends on the stage.
The treatment for neurosyphilis, ocular syphilis, or otosyphilis is aqueous crystalline penicillin, typically administered intravenously.
Syphilis is curablewith the correct antibiotics course.
One of the most notable complications if syphilis is left untreated isdementia.
Syphilis and Pregnancy
Having syphilis while pregnant can spread the infection to the unborn child.
People who are pregnant and are at a higher risk of syphilis should especially follow these guidelines.
Instead of an injection, infants may have to receive the drugs intravenously.
Tips for Preventing Syphilis
Preventing syphilis involves practicing safer sexual behavior and knowing your risk.
Because of that, many people who contract syphilis can seek adequate treatment and avoid any long-term complications.
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