Syphilis
Dr.Joe's Data Base
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What causes Syphilis?
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* The organism that causes syphilis is called Treponema pallidum.
* It is from a group of bacteria called spirochetes, which look like
twisted coils.
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How do you get it?
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* Syphilis is transmitted by
o sexual intercourse
o by kissing or touching a person with the disease
o through sharing needles with an infected intravenous drug user.
* In general, the organism can invade the mucous membrane which for
example lines the inside of your mouth or by entering cuts (abrasions)
in your skin.
* Since some people infected with the disease may not show symptoms, it
is very difficult to tell who is infected.
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Who gets it?
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* Everyone (men, women, children, homosexuals, etc.) is equally at risk.
* BUT, most recent cases occur in the age group of 15-30 years of age
since people in this age group are the most sexually active.
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What happens to me if I get this?
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There are 3 stages that the infection goes through: (click on each stage to
learn about it)
1. Primary Stage (the first stage which occurs 10 days - 6 weeks after
exposure)
2. Secondary Stage (the second stage that happens 1 week - 6 months after
the first stage)
3. Tertiary Stage (the third stage that occurs 3-25 YEARS after the first
infection)
Primary Stage (10 days- 6 weeks after exposure)
* One painless sore usually appears at the area of the original
infection (usually the groin).
* Later, other similar sores may appear on the
o penis
o cervix
o rectum
o tongue, mouth and lips
o fingers
o eyelids.
* This stage is highly contagious.
* About 1/3 of patients with primary Syphilis get Secondary Syphilis.
Secondary Stage (1 week- 6 months after the Primary Stage)
* Skin rash on any area of the body, especially on the palms of the
hands and soles of the feet.
* Mouth sores
* Fever and headache
* Soreness and aching of the bones and joints
* Sores on lips, mouth, genitals, and anus
Tertiary Stage (3-25 years after infection)
* Infection has spread through the entire body and is often very
serious.
* Huge eruptions cover the entire body from face to feet.
* Hair loss
* Huge, mushroom-shaped growths all over genitals and rectum
* Any of the organs may be affected, especially the heart, bones, and
brain.
* Eye diseases can occur
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How long do I get it for?
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* The infection can last anywhere from 10 days to 25 years after the
first time you get it.
* It depends on the whether or not you caught it early in its stage and
get it treated.
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How can I prevent it?
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* Since this disease is usually transmitted through sexual intercourse,
abstinence (not having sex) is the safest means of protection.
* However, if you are sexually active, a condom is the best way to
protect yourself.
* If you are worried that you might have a sexually transmitted disease
or want to find out more information, there are many options open to
you. Health Clinics often offer free detection and treatment and
sometimes counseling. You can also get help at schools, churches, and
doctors offices in your community. Click here to see some resources to
help you out.
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How does the doctor test for this?
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* Tests for primary and secondary stages
o The disease is found through tests done on the discharge of open
sores.
o Blood tests may also be done. If this blood test is positive, the
patient should not have sex until at least two follow-up tests
come back negative.
* Testing for Tertiary Stage
o Since at this point the infection has spread throughout the body,
an exam of the spinal fluid may be needed to know if the brain
has been affected.
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How is it treated?
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* Although serious, if Syphilis is detected early it can be completely
cured.
* If untreated, long-term effects are
o heart and blood vessel diseases (ie. Syphilitic Aneurysm)
o hepatitis
o meningitis
o bone and joint diseases
o central nervous system diseases (called Neurosyphilis)
o and eventually death
* Treatment for primary and Secondary Stages
o Treated with large doses of antibiotics such as penicillin.
o Repeated blood and bacteria tests are needed for about one year
to find out how much of the disease is still there.
o IN A PREGNANT WOMAN:
+ If a pregnant woman has syphilis, it will be passed to her
unborn child. But, if the disease is found early in her
pregnancy, the antibiotics used to treat her also protect
the unborn child (the child should be examined monthly for
symptoms).
+ If untreated, all children born with syphilis develop
secondary and tertiary syphilis. The infected children do
not live long enough.
* Treatment for tertiary Stage
o At this point, many of the effects of this disease can not be
treated. It is too late!!
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What happens to me in the long run?
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* If you were treated at an early stage, you are in good shape.
* Even if you were treated, you may have to go to keep getting tested to
make sure you don't have it again.
* If the disease was not caught early, it can get worse and lead to
death.
* So, if you get syphilis, its important to know about it earlier. Even
better, prevent it. Don't let it happen. Why take the chance?
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