Syphillis

General Information

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Treponema pallidum bacteria. It is primarily transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact.  It is also possible for an infected mother to pass the infection to her infant at birth. Formerly considered an “ancient” disease, the past decade has seen a rise in Syphilis cases. Some populations, specifically Blacks and men who have sex with men (MSM) are currently more likely to be infected than other groups. Syphilis increases the risk of transmitting and of becoming infected with HIV (virus that causes AIDS).  

Symptoms

There are four stages of Syphilis:

• Primary Stage
  • A painless open sore with a yellow or gray crusty scab, or “chancre”, is present but may not be visible as it can be located in the vagina, mouth, or rectum.  Symptoms are more evident in men.
  • The chancre may disappear on its own without treatment but the disease is still present.
• Secondary Stage: 6-8 weeks after the preliminary exposure to Syphilis
  • Headache, sore throat, weight loss, joint pain, fatigue, swollen glands, and wide-spread rash
  • Symptoms can last from a few weeks to several months and may be interrupted by periods of time when no symptoms show.
• Latent Stage
  • Asymptomatic: although there may be no visible signs or symptoms of the disease, it can still be transmitted to partner(s).
• Tertiary Stage

• Damage to heart, eyes, nervous and skeletal systems can occur.
• Lack of coordination, numbness, forgetfulness, and dementia can occur.
• If left untreated, Syphilis can cause internal damage and death.

 Possible Complications

• Untreated Syphilis can cause blindness, heart disease, liver complications, and can damage both the spinal cord and the brain.
• An untreated pregnant woman can pass Syphilis to her baby causing serious and potentially fatal malformations. 

Who is at risk?

• Young, sexually active women and men have the highest rates of infection but anyone who is sexually active may be at risk.
• The more partners one has, the higher the risk of infection.
• Currently, Syphilis disproportionately infects Blacks and MSM (2004 U.S. CDC Study).  
• Since Syphilis symptoms are often difficult to see, a person can "carry" the infection for many years without knowing they are infected, and can unknowingly infect others over time.

Prevention

• Always practice safe sex:
  • Have your partner(s) tested
  • Use a barrier method like condoms and spermicide, which can offer some protection against Syphilis.
  • Know the signs and symptoms and avoid sexual contact if your partner has signs of an outbreak.
  • See a clinician if you think you have Syphilis.

Testing

• Syphilis can be detected by a simple blood test.  

• If one person tests positive for Syphilis ALL of her/his current/recent sexual contacts should be notified, tested, and treated.

Treatment

• Syphilis can be treated with injected medicine (shots) and sometimes pills – take as directed
• Follow-up visits at 3, 6, and 12 months verify successful treatment.
• Abstain from sexual activity for one month after treatment.
• ALL sex contacts should be treated as soon as possible so that you will not get re-infected.

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