Syphilis Symptoms & Syphilis Testing

What is it

Syphilis is a potentially life-threatening bacterium that increases the likelihood of acquiring or transmitting HIV. It is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. Congenital syphilis causes irreversible health problems or death in as many as 40% of all live babies born to women with untreated syphilis.

Symptoms

Many people infected with syphilis do not have any symptoms for years, yet remain at risk for late complications if they are not treated. There are a few stages of syphilis: Primary, Secondary and Latent. Primary is marked by a sore that left untreated, progresses to the Secondary stage which includes rashes, fever, swollen glands, sore throat, hair loss, headaches, and muscle aches. The Latent stage progresses unknown to the carrier, eventually damaging internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints.

Other Adverse Consequences

Can cause miscarriages, premature births, stillbirths, or death of newborn babies. There is also risk of deformities, delays in development, or seizures along with many other problems such as rash, fever, swollen liver and spleen, anaemia, and jaundice. Rarely, the symptoms of syphilis go unseen in infants so that they develop the symptoms of late-stage syphilis, including damage to their bones, teeth, eyes, ears, and brain. Increased risk of becoming infected with HIV is also a feature.

Test

Blood.

Treatment

Cured with antibiotics.