Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is typically transmitted through sexual contact. Its
Common Name is Syphilis while its Scientific Name is Treponema pallidummm,
(Mayoclinic.org 2022).
Some of the common Risk factors for syphilis are:
Risky sexual behaviour (oral or anal) Sexual contact with a known case of syphilis Sex with someone from a country/region with a high prevalence of syphilis. Engaging in unprotected sex Having sex with multiple partners
Persons in the Population who are most at risk of contracting syphilis are
Women. Men who have sex with men. Young adults ages 15 to 25. People who exchange in sex for drugs or money. People who are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS American Indians and African Americans.
Mode of transmission for syphilis: Syphilis spreads through direct contact with a a person
with syphilitic sore, known as a chancre. Chancres can develop in, on, or near the penis,
vagina, anus, rectum, and lips or mouth. Syphilis can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or
oral sex. Pregnant women who have syphilis can pass the infection on to their unborn child
(Mayoclinic.org 2022).
Symptoms of syphilis: Syphilis develops in stages:
The bacteria enter with a painless sore, usually on the genitals, rectum, or mouth.
The syphilis bacteria can remain dormant in the body for decades after the initial infection
before reactivating.
The primary stage of syphilis is
The initial sign of syphilis is a small sore, referred to as a chancre (SHANG-kur). It appears at the area where the bacteria entered the body.
The chancre typically progresses about three weeks after contact
A chancre is painless therefore it sometimes is unnoticeable
Chancre heal on its own within three (3) to (six) weeks
The secondary stage of syphilis: A rash that develops on the torso but spreads to cover the
entire body, including the palm of the hand and the feet soles. It's accompanied by wart-like
sores in the mouth or genital area. Hair loss, muscle aches, fever, sore throat, and swollen
lymph nodes, Mayoclinic.org (2022).
The latent stage/hidden stage: If not treated for syphilis, the disease progresses from the
secondary to the hidden /latent stage, during which no symptoms are present. The latent stage can last for years. The symptoms and signs may never return, or the disease may advance to
the third stage (Mayoclinic.org 2022)
The tertiary stage: About 15% to 30% of people infected with syphilis who do not receive
medical treatment will develop tertiary syphilis complications. The disease may also damage
the brain, nerves, eye, heart, liver, blood vessels, joints and bone.
Incubation period: Incubation can last anywhere from 10 to 90 days, with a 21-day average
During this time, serologic testing for syphilis will be negative, but known contacts to early
syphilis (those exposed within the last 90 days) should be treated as a precaution.
Treatment for syphilis: Syphilis is unique among sexually transmitted diseases because it
can be cured with a single dose of penicillin. There is no documented risk of resistance; th