A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

SYPHILIS

What is Syphilis ?

Syphilis is an infection with a germ called Treponema pallidum . Initially it causes an ulcer (chancre) on the skin in the genital area and occasionally on the mouth. The glands in the groin enlarge at the same time. The ulcer and enlarged glands are not usually painful. This is called primary syphilis. Later, infection spreads throughout the body. It can produce a rash all over the body, swollen glands and sores in the mouth and on the genitals. This stage is called secondary syphilis and is often accompanied by a fever and chills. At an even later stage called tertiary syphilis, the heart, brain and other organs can be affected, in some cases with a fatal outcome. Many patients have no early symptoms at all. This is a worry because the infection can grumble on, producing silent damage without the patient knowing it. In other cases the body appears to have a built-in resistance: the infection in these cases does not develop. Such cases are identified only years later by means of a blood test. This blood test is done routinely on pregnant women, blood donors, military recruits and people who attend departments of genito-urinary medicine (special clinic, STD clinic).

How does Syphilis occur ?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. It is caught through having sex with an infected person. The germ enters the body through the thin skin of the genitals. Nine to 90 days after contact, an ulcer appears at the site of entry; 1 to 6 months later the body fluids are infected and signs become more general. Syphilis can be passed from a pregnant women to her unborn child through the placenta.

Why does Syphilis occur ?

The risk of catching syphilis increases with the number of sexual partners. It is passed on very easily in the first 2 years so once infected, it is highly likely that the partner(s) will also be infected. Using a condom during sexual intercourse offers good, but not complete, protection.

Treatment Involved for Syphilis

The doctor should refer you to a department of genito-urinary medicine (special clinic, STD clinic). If infection is suspected, a visit to the local clinic is possible without a referral letter. The address of the clinic can be found in the telephone book. INVESTIGATIONS Specimens will be taken from any ulcers and looked at under the microscope. A provisional diagnosis can be made this way. Syphilis is then confirmed by doing a blood test. TREATMENT Syphilis is cured by a course of penicillin injections. If the infected person is allergic to penicillin , then a longer course of tetracycline drug is used. It is essential that your sexual partner(s) are seen and treated, as well.

During treatment for Syphilis

Symptoms may get worse during treatment. 'Flu-like symptoms and fever, especially with the first few injections, are quite common. The reason it occurs is not fully understood. Penicillin can cause mild diarrhoea which is nothing to worry about. If a rash develops, the doctor should be informed. Women may get vaginal candidiasis (thrush). The frequency of follow up depends on the individual case. Blood tests are usually taken monthly for 3 months, then at 6 months and 1 year.

After treatment

Protection from syphilis does not occur as a result of infection. It is possible to catch the infection again through sexual intercourse with an infected or untreated partner. Using a condom with casual partners will protect from subsequent infection.

If Syphilis is left untreated

This infection burns itself out after 2 years in most people. The patient is infectious to any sexual partner(s) during this period. If pregnancy occurs in these 2 years, there is a significant risk of passing on infection to the baby. Almost half the patients go on to develop late complications of syphilis. These symptoms involve the heart and large blood vessels, the nervous system and the skin.

Effects on the family of Syphilis

Your sexual partners are the only people who need to know about the infection. It is your responsibility to inform them. The information given to the doctor is treated in the strictest confidence. He or she is not allowed to pass this on to your partner. If you are pregnant, the doctor looking after the pregnancy needs to know about the diagnosis of syphilis.