Syphilis, also called “syphilis”, is an infectious disease that can cause symptoms and damage to various organs of the body caused by the bacterium “Treponema pallidum”. In fact, sexually transmitted syphilis can cause serious health problems if not treated properly. Let's get to know the syphilis disease, which we have seen increasing again in the society in recent years.
How is syphilis transmitted?
This disease, which is mainly transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, is also directly caused by open wounds in the body. It can be transmitted from mother to baby by contact, blood transfusion or during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
The disease manifests itself in 3 stages.
In the first phase; It starts as a painless sore that occurs especially at the entry points of the agent, on the penis in men, on the skin of the vulva, which is the external genital organs in women, and on the tongue, mouth circumference, lips, breech area, lower belly and groin in both genders. Enlargement may be observed in lymph nodes close to the wound. If the disease is not treated during this period, the wound heals spontaneously within 4-6 weeks, but the contagiousness continues.
The second phase; If the disease is not treated in the first stage, the bacteria spreads to all systems through blood and lymph. During this period, it progresses with fever, weakness, sore throat and flu-like condition, pinkish red rashes on the skin, hair loss and nail disorders.
Latent (silent) phase; With the end of the second period, the disease enters the silent period. During this period, the person does not develop any symptoms, the diagnosis is made by blood tests. The contagiousness of the disease continues.
Third (tertiary) stage; This period occurs approximately 3-15 years after the first phase. During this period, skin (tumor-like swellings on the skin), nervous system (stroke, seizures, loss of sensation, etc.) and cardiovascular involvement (aortic aneurysm, aortic rupture, heart valve involvement, etc.) are seen.
Why did the disease escalate?
Syphilis, which is thought to have been completely eradicated with the advent of penicillin, has been increasing rapidly in recent years. The reasons for this are;
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Very low sexual age
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Unprotected sexual intercourse
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Increased incidence of HIV, that is AIDS in society, and decreased body resistance
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Multiple relationship with a partner
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Expansion of homosexual intercourse
- Development of various strategies for protection from antibiotics by “Treponema pallidum”, the causative agent of the disease
How is syphilis diagnosed?
The disease, which has been called the "great imitator" since ancient times, is clinically recognized by a physician specialized in the field of skin manifestations. In addition, bacteria can be detected in swab or samples taken from wounds or skin rashes. Apart from these, in case of suspicion of the physician, the diagnosis is made by tests performed on the blood taken from the patient.
How is the treatment of syphilis?
Other sexually transmitted diseases should definitely be investigated in the patient and their treatment should be done. The disease can be treated with antibiotics from the hip or intravenously. During treatment, the patient's sexual partners should also be treated. After the treatment, the patient should be followed up and the response to the treatment should be evaluated.
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