What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can affect the genital area, lips, mouth, or anus of both men and women. Syphilis is a significant public health concern worldwide, with millions of new cases each year. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of syphilis, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM) and individuals with HIV. In Singapore, syphilis remains an important STI, with cases reported across various demographic groups.
FAQ on Syphilis
How is Syphilis transmitted?
Syphilis is primarily transmitted through direct contact with a syphilitic sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. These sores can appear on the external genitals, vagina, anus, rectum, lips, or mouth. Syphilis can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby, known as congenital syphilis, which can cause severe health problems for the newborn.
Many people with syphilis may not have visible symptoms (asymptomatic) but can still transmit the infection to others. This asymptomatic transmission is particularly concerning because it allows the disease to spread unknowingly.
What are the symptoms of Syphilis?
Syphilis progresses through four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary, each with distinct symptoms:
- Primary Stage: A single sore or multiple sores at the infection site, usually painless, appearing 3 weeks to 3 months after exposure.
- Secondary Stage: Skin rashes, mucous membrane lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue, appearing weeks to months after the primary stage.
- Latent Stage: No visible symptoms, but the infection remains in the body. This stage can last for years.
- Tertiary Stage: Severe medical problems affecting the heart, brain, nerves, eyes, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints, occurring 10-30 years after the initial infection if untreated.
What are the complications of untreated Syphilis?
If left untreated, syphilis can lead to severe health problems in its later stages, including:
- Damage to the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular syphilis)
- Neurological problems, including stroke, meningitis, and dementia (neurosyphilis)
- Gummatous syphilis, which involves large sores inside the body or on the skin
- Increased risk of HIV infection and transmission
How is Syphilis diagnosed?
Syphilis can be diagnosed through blood tests that detect antibodies to the bacteria, or through direct examination of material from sores under a microscope. Common diagnostic methods include:
- Nontreponemal Tests: Such as the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) tests, which detect antibodies produced in response to the infection.
- Treponemal Tests: Such as the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption (FTA-ABS) test and the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TP-PA), which confirm the diagnosis.
- Rapid Tests: Rapid fingerprick tests that provide quick results and are useful in settings where laboratory testing is not available.
How is Syphilis treated?
Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, most commonly penicillin. The specific treatment depends on the stage of the infection:
- Early Stages: A single injection of penicillin for primary, secondary, or early latent syphilis.
- Late Latent and Tertiary Stages: Multiple injections of penicillin over a longer period.
- Neurosyphilis: Intensive antibiotic treatment, often involving intravenous penicillin.
Can Syphilis be prevented?
Syphilis can be prevented by using condoms during sexual activity, having regular STI screenings, and maintaining a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis early in pregnancy to prevent congenital syphilis. It's also important to inform and treat sexual partners if diagnosed with syphilis to prevent re-infection and further spread.
