Syphilis
What is it?
Syphilis is
a Sexually Transmitted Disease caused by the spiral shaped bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is often referred to as the Great Imitator
because many of its symptoms are common to other diseases.
According
to the Center for Disease Control, there were 36,000 reported cases of syphilis
in 2006 with the majority of those infected being between the ages of 20 and
39. From 2005 to 2006 the reported cases
of syphilis increased. Mothers with
syphilis can also pass it on to their newborns and there were 349 reported
incidents in 2006.
How do you get it?
Syphilis is
passed from one to another through direct contact with a syphilis sore during
vaginal, anal, or oral sex. These sores are generally present on the genitals,
vagina, anus, and/or rectum. As said
before, pregnant women who are infected can pass it on to their newborns, but
syphilis cannot be passed through contact with toilet seats, door knobs,
utensils, or clothing.
How is syphilis
diagnosed?
The most
common procedure is to receive a simple blood test from your physician.
What are the symptoms?
Particular
symptoms differ according stage:
Primary
- Single sore, no sign for 10-90 days
- If not treated progresses to
secondary stage
Secondary
- Skin rash
- If not treated progresses to latency
stage
Latency
- Organ damage
- Will continue without treatment
- Possible Death
Is it treatable?
Syphilis is
a treatable disease best done in the early stages of infection. One simple shot of Penicillin is used to
treat someone with syphilis, but if the person is allergic other antibiotics
are used. While being treated for
syphilis it is vital that the infected person abstain from sexual intercourse
until all sores have vanished. Though
treatable, syphilis can recur and repeated treatment will be needed. Syphilis sores will vanish over time without
treatment, but the infected person will remain infected so it is vital to
receive medical attention.
How do I prevent myself
from getting it?
The only
surefire way to protect one’s self from any STD is to abstain from all forms of
sexual intercourse. A less safe way is
to maintain a mutual relationship with only one partner who has had a blood
test. One should avoid alcohol and/or drug
use which can lead to risky sexual behavior.
In the end, if you must have sex, be sure to properly use a latex
condom. If sexually active one should
receive regular pelvic exams. During the exam a doctor can easily test you for
an STD.
Eradicating the Disease
In order
for syphilis to be eradicated every person worldwide would have to stop having
sex and all those infected would have to be treated. Because that is the only way, the chance of
syphilis being eradicated is practically zero.
References
“Rising
Rates of Syphilis in the Era of Syphilis Elimination.” http://www.stdjournal.com/pt/re/std/abstract.00007435-200703000-00007.htm
“Syphilis.” http://www.4woman.gov/faq/stdsyph.htm
“Syphilis Fast Facts.” http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_syphilis_facts.cfm
“
“STD Facts: Syphilis.” http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm
Links for Pictures
http://webpages.shepherd.edu/AKAETZ01/syphilis_picture_primary_46.jpg
http://www.clinical-virology.org/gallery/cvn_non_viral_01.html