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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidium. The infection is usually sexually transmitted, in which case it is called venereal syphilis. It may also be passed from an infected mother to her unborn child, in which case it is known as congenital syphilis. Syphilis has been uncommon since penicillin become widely available in the 1950s, although global syphilis statistics show that an estimated 12 million new infections still occur each year. Syphilis symptomsThe symptoms of syphilis are the same in men and women. They can be mild and difficult to recognise or distinguish from other STDs. Symptoms may take up to 3 months to appear after initial infection. Syphilis is a slowly progressing disease that has several stages. The primary and secondary stages of syphilis are very infectious. Primary stage of syphilis
One or more painless ulcers (know as chancres) appear at the place where the syphilis bacteria entered the body. On average, this will be 21 days after sexual contact with an infected person. Chancres may be difficult to notice and are highly infectious. The usual locations for chancres are: - On the vulva (outside the vagina) or on the cervix (neck of the womb) in women.
- On the penis in men.
- Around the anus and mouth (both sexes).
Without treatment, the ulcers take between 2 and 6 weeks to heal. If the infection is not treated at this point then it will progress to the secondary stage. Secondary stage of syphilisIf the infection has not been treated, the secondary stage of syphilis will usually occur from 3 to 6 weeks after the appearance of chancres. The symptoms often include: - A flu-like illness, a feeling of tiredness and loss of appetite, accompanied by swollen glands (this can last for weeks or months).
- A non-itchy rash covering the whole body or appearing in patches.
- Flat, warty-looking growths on the vulva in women and around the anus in both sexes.
- White patches on the tongue or roof of the mouth.
- Patchy hair loss.
During this stage syphilis is very infectious and may be sexually transmitted to a partner. These symptoms will usually clear up within a few weeks, but may re-occur for years. Treatment at any time during the first two stages of syphilis will cure the infection. Latent and tertiary stages of syphilis
If a person infected with syphilis has not received treatment during the first two stages of the disease then it will progress to the latent stage. The person will no longer experience any symptoms of the earlier stages, but their infection can still be diagnosed with a blood test. If left untreated, the infection may develop into symptomatic late syphilis, also known as the tertiary stage. This usually develops after more than 10 years and is often very serious. It is at this stage that syphilis can affect the heart and possibly the nervous system. If treatment for syphilis is given during the latent stage the infection can be cured. However, any heart or nervous-system damage that occurred before the start of treatment may be irreversible. How syphilis is passed onSyphilis can be transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore. The methods of transmission are: - By having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the infection.
- From a mother to her unborn baby.
Syphilis cannot be passed on by sharing baths, toilets, towels or eating utensils.
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