Syphilis

Syphilis is an infection caused by the Treponema pallidum bacteria. Although it is considered a sexually transmitted disease, it can sometimes be transmitted through other means. For example, when a pregnant woman has syphilis, she can pass it on to the fetus during pregnancy or to the newborn during delivery. This condition, called congenital syphilis, can potentially be fatal.

The development of syphilis occurs in stages where it behaves differently. When considering the various phases of the disease, several types of Treponema pallidum infections can be identified:

• Primary Syphilis: Between ten and ninety days after infection, the most characteristic symptom appears, an ulcer (called a chancre) at the site that came into contact with the infected person. Typically, this is in the genital area, anus, or mouth. This ulcer heals on its own in a few days.
• Secondary Syphilis: A few weeks after the appearance of the chancre, even after it has disappeared, the disease evolves and shows other symptoms, which usually resolve on their own.
• Latent Syphilis: When no treatment is received during the first two stages, the infection continues in the body without showing signs. The bacteria can remain dormant for years, during which time the infected person may continue to spread the disease.
• Tertiary Syphilis: This occurs in rare cases but is very serious. In these cases, latent syphilis spreads to other organs like the brain (neurosyphilis), the heart, or blood vessels, leading to the death of the patient.

Symptoms

The symptoms of syphilis vary depending on the phase the disease is in. The most significant symptoms of each phase are:

• Early symptoms of syphilis: A chancre appears on the sexual organs, mouth, or anus. It is usually a painless sore, which can go unnoticed.
• Symptoms of secondary syphilis: A rash appears that spreads throughout the body, often accompanied by small warts, fever, or swollen lymph nodes.
• Symptoms of latent syphilis: During this period, no symptoms appear.
• Symptoms of tertiary syphilis: Depending on which organs the disease spreads to, symptoms may include brain damage, nervous system issues, or eye problems.

Causes

The main cause of syphilis is unprotected sexual contact with a person infected with the Treponema pallidum bacteria. Although it may seem otherwise, it is rarely transmitted through other direct contact with the sore. Congenital syphilis occurs during pregnancy or childbirth.

Risk Factors

The main risk factors for contracting syphilis are:

• Unprotected sex
• Multiple sexual partners
• HIV

Complications

The complications from tertiary syphilis are very serious, as they affect vital organs in the body. For example:

• Neurosyphilis can cause paralysis, tremors, visual disturbances, incontinence, confusion, or mental problems.
• Cardiovascular syphilis can cause aneurysms, coronary stenosis, or aortitis.

Prevention

Syphilis can be prevented by using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners. Additionally, to avoid spreading the disease to others, it is important to inform all sexual partners so they can get tested.

Which doctor treats syphilis?

Dermatologists diagnose and treat syphilis.