|
Type of
infection: |
Bacterial |
|
Infectious Organism: |
Treponema pallidum |
|
Location in the body: |
Chancre
(painless sore) on the genital area.
Rash on the
hands/feet and other areas of the body.
|
|
Symptoms: |
Primary Stage:
Painless sore on the genital area, mouth, lips.
Secondary Stage:
Rash on hands, feet, and other areas of body.
Late Stage:
Attacks the central nervous system. Possible paralysis, numbness,
blindness, dementia.
|
|
Method
of spread: |
Skin to skin
contact with syphilis sore during sexual activity (oral, anal, vaginal
sex); sores can also occur on the lips and mouth.
|
|
Consequences: |
If not treated, infection
can spread to the brain, heart, spinal cord, eyes, and other areas of
the body causing severe damage.
Genital sores of syphilis
make it easier to transmit and acquire HIV infection.
Can be spread to
the baby during pregnancy causing severe brain and growth abnormalities.
|
|
Number
of new cases per year: |
70,000 |
|
Total
number infected now: |
Unknown |
|
Tests
to see if you have it: |
Blood test (VDRL, RPR, FTA-ABS).
Dark field
microscopy to examine material from infectious sores.
|
|
Treatment: |
Antibiotics by
injection. |
