syphilis
an infectious, sexually transmitted disease (see VENEREAL DISEASE ) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which shows symptoms in three stages. BACTERIA enter the body through MUCOUS MEMBRANES during sexual intercourse and an ULCER appears in the first instance. Within a short time the LYMPH NODES locally and then all over the body enlarge and harden and this lasts several weeks. Secondary symptoms appear about two months after infection and include fever, pains, enlarged lymph nodes and a faint rash, which is usually noticed on the chest. The bacterium is found in enormous numbers in the primary sores and any skin lesions of the secondary stage. The final stage may not appear until many months or years after infection and comprises the formation of numerous TUMOUR -like masses throughout the body (in skin, muscle, bone, brain, spinal cord and other organs such as the liver, stomach, etc.) This stage can cause serious damage to the heart, brain or spinal cord, resulting in blindness, TABES DORSALIS and mental disability. CONGENITAL syphilis is much rarer than the former, ACQUIRED , type. It is contracted by a developing FOETUS from the mother and symptoms show a few weeks after birth. Treatment of syphilis is with PENICILLIN early in the development of the disease.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It infects the genital area, lips, mouth, or anus of both men and women. You usually get syphilis from sexual contact with someone who has it. It can also pass from mother to baby during pregnancy.
The early stage of syphilis usually causes a single, small, painless sore. Sometimes it causes swelling in nearby lymph nodes. If you do not treat it, syphilis usually causes a non-itchy skin rash, often on your hands and feet. Many people do not notice symptoms for years. Symptoms can go away and come back.
The sores caused by syphilis make it easier to get or give someone HIV during sex. If you are pregnant, syphilis can cause complications, or you could lose your baby. In rare cases, syphilis causes serious health problems and even death.
Syphilis is easy to cure with antibiotics if you catch it early. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading syphilis. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
syphilis