Question

Write about syphilis.

Answer 1

Syphilis:

1. It is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

Symptoms:

1. The signs and symptoms of syphilis differ depending upon the four stages it presents (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary).
2. The primary stage typically presents with a single chancre (a rigid, painless, non-itchy skin ulcer around 1-2 cm in diameter) that may become multiple over time.
3. In secondary syphilis, a diffused rash forms, that generally occurs over the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
4. Sores may also be formed in the mouth or vagina.
5. In latent syphilis, which can last for many years, there are few or no symptoms.
6. In tertiary syphilis, there are gummas (soft, non-cancerous growths), neurological problems, or heart symptoms.
7. Syphilis is also known as ‘the great imitator’ as it causes symptoms similar to many other diseases.
8. Syphilis is generally spread through sexual contact.
9. However, it may also be transmitted from an infected mother to an offspring during pregnancy or at the time of birth, resulting in congenital syphilis.

Syphilis can be detected by:

1. Blood tests.
2. Darkfield microscopy of serous fluid from the chancre.

Treatment:

1. Chemotherapy is used where elemental Mercury is used for the treatment.
2. It can be prevented by using condoms during any sexual activity to prevent the transmission of bacteria.