Syphilis

Overview

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that cause by a bacteria. The condition usually begins as a painless sore on the lips, genitalia, or rectum. Direct contact with these sores can result in the transmission of syphilis from person to person. In addition, it can be transferred to a child during pregnancy, delivery, and occasionally during nursing.

The syphilis bacteria can remain in the body for several years after infection without developing any symptoms and the infection can reactivate. If left untreated, syphilis can cause blindness as well as damage to the heart, brain, eyes, and nervous system.

Syphilis can develop into 4 different stages. Every stage of the disease has a particular set of symptoms. In the first and second phases, people are very infectious and can quickly infect their sexual partners. These are the following stages of syphilis:

• Primary syphilis: The first stage occurs between 2 to 12 weeks following contact with a person who have syphilis. A smooth, firm sore on your lips or genitalia called a chancre form at this time. You might not even be aware that you have a chancre because it is small and typically painless. The sore heals in a few weeks or months on its own. You still may have syphilis despite this. The infection advances to the second stage if untreated. Syphilis can be transmitted during this period by oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse.
• Secondary syphilis: A rough, bumpy syphilis rash develops one to six months after the syphilis sore heals. Your entire body, including your palms and the soles of your feet, may be covered with the rash. Usually, the rash doesn’t cause any itchiness.
  During this phase, syphilis infections can spread by vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. Months or even years may pass while these symptoms are present. You may still have the infection even if the syphilis rash has disappeared if you are not experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. Treatment with medication is still required for you. The infection will progress to the latent stage if treatment is not received.
• Latent syphilis: The infection enters the latent stage if treatment is not administered during the initial two stages. There are no visible indications or symptoms of syphilis at this stage. Occasionally, some people have small flare-ups. Your heart, bones, nerves, and organs might be harmed by the infection at this point. Up to 20 years may pass during this phase. Rarely may syphilis be transmitted to sexual partners while it is latent. The infection advances to a late stage in the absence of treatment.
• Late or tertiary syphilis: Many people experience no symptoms at all after the latent period, either because the infection heals on its own or because the symptoms are too slight to be recognized. Roughly 20% of cases advance to the late stage of syphilis, which can result in a number of major health issues.

Treating early-stage syphilis with a single dose of the antibiotic penicillin is feasible. Seeking medical examination promptly upon noticing any syphilis symptoms is crucial. Additionally, it’s recommended that all pregnant women undergo a syphilis test during their first prenatal appointment.

Symptoms

Each stage of syphilis presents with distinct signs and symptoms, though there’s a possibility of overlap between stages. Furthermore, the symptoms may not always manifest in a predictable order. It’s important to note that one can have a syphilis infection without experiencing symptoms for years.

• Primary syphilis: The chancre is often unnoticeable to many syphilis patients. It normally isn’t painful. Additionally, it could be hidden in the rectum or vagina. In three to six weeks, the chancre heals on its own.
• Secondary syphilis: A rash might appear during the first chancre healing process or a few weeks later. Secondary syphilis symptoms could go away on their own. However, they could come and go for months or years without treatment. Rashes brought on by syphilis:
  • Is frequently not itchy or irritating.
  • May appear reddish-brown, rough, or red.
  • May be difficult to figure out since it is so faint.

  The trunk is usually where the rash first appears. The chest, abdomen, pelvis, and back are all included. Over time, the limbs, hand palms, and foot soles may also exhibit its appearance. You may also have indications in addition to the rash:

  • Fatigue.
  • Fever.
  • Hair loss.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Sore throat.
  • Swollen lymph nodes.
  • Wart-like lesions in the genitalia or mouth.
  • Weight loss.
• Latent syphilis: Latent stages can continue for many years. The symptoms you have might not return. However, if the disease is left untreated, it may result in serious health issues or complications.
• Tertiary syphilis: Up to 30% to 40% of syphilis patients who do not receive treatment develop problems known as tertiary syphilis. It is also known as late syphilis. The condition might harm the:
  • Bones and joints.
  • Brain.
  • Eyes.
  • Heart.
  • Liver.
  • Nerves.
• Spreading syphilis: Untreated syphilis may affect the brain, spinal cord, eyes, and other body components at any point. Health issues that are severe or even fatal may result from this.
• Congenital syphilis: Syphilis patients can transmit the disease to their unborn children. The placenta, an organ in the womb that supplies nourishment and oxygen, can harbor bacteria that infects unborn children. Infections can also occur during childbirth.
  Congenital syphilis in newborns may not present with any symptoms. However, if treatment is delayed, certain infants may get:
  • Anemia or insufficient red blood cells.
  • Bone changes.
  • Fever.
  • Jaundice or yellow discoloration of skin and eyes.
  • Rashes or sores on their skin.
  • Rhinitis or sneezing or stuffed nose.
  • Swollen spleen and liver.

Later symptoms might include saddle nose, a disease where the nasal bridge collapses, hearing, and dental issues. Syphilis can also cause premature birth. They could pass away before giving delivery. Or after birth, they may pass away.

If you think you or your child may have syphilis, get in touch with a healthcare provider. These can include any strange discharge, a rash, or a pain, particularly in the groin area.

Get tested for syphilis as well if you:

• Have engaged in sexual activity with a person who may be infected.
• Being infected with HIV or another sexually transmitted disease.
• Pregnant.
• Engage with multiple partners for frequent sexual activities.
• Having unprotected sex.

Causes

Treponema pallidum is the bacteria that causes syphilis. During vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse, contact with an infected person’s sore is the most common approach that syphilis is transmitted. Small scratches or scrapes on the skin, as well as the wet inner lining of several bodily parts, allows the bacteria to enter the body.

Syphilis typically spreads through sexual contact, even without penetration or ejaculation. However, contact with the sore or rash of an individual with syphilis can also transmit the infection. Contagion is most common during the primary and secondary stages of syphilis. Occasionally, transmission may occur during the early latent period, which typically happens within a year of initial infection.

You can spread the disease to your partner if you have syphilis and have intercourse. It is possible for you to transmit syphilis to the developing baby if you the condition, also it could be transmitted through breastfeeding.

Syphilis can less frequently be transmitted through kissing or touching an open sore on the lips, tongue, mouth, breasts, or genitalia. Also, touching items like doorknobs, cutlery, and toilet seats cannot transmit the syphilis virus. This is due to the fact that syphilis-causing bacteria cannot exist on surfaces.

Syphilis doesn’t come back on its own after treatment. However, coming into contact with another person’s syphilis sore can re-infect you.

Risk factors

Your risk of contracting syphilis increases with unprotected sex and multiple partners, particularly if you’re also infected with HIV. Men who have sex with men are at higher risk, partly due to lower condom usage and limited access to healthcare. Additionally, engaging in recent sexual activity with partners found through social media apps poses a heightened risk for certain individuals within this demographic.