Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can affect individuals of all ages and is transmitted through direct contact with syphilitic sores during sexual activity. Syphilis progresses through several stages, each with its own set of symptoms and complications. At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our Gynecology department offers comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and treatment for syphilis infections, aiming to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure optimal patient care.

Symptoms:

Syphilis presents in several stages, each with distinct symptoms:

• Primary syphilis: Characterized by the appearance of painless sores, known as chancres, at the site of infection, typically the genitals, anus, or mouth. Chancres may go unnoticed or heal spontaneously within a few weeks.
• Secondary syphilis: Manifests with flu-like symptoms, rash, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. The rash may appear on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or other parts of the body.
• Latent syphilis: During this stage, the infection remains dormant without any visible symptoms, although the bacterium can still be present in the body and cause complications if left untreated.
• Tertiary syphilis: In rare cases, untreated syphilis can progress to tertiary syphilis, leading to severe health complications such as cardiovascular problems, neurosyphilis, or gummatous lesions affecting various organs.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing syphilis involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Tests commonly used to detect syphilis include:

• Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test
• Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test
• Treponemal tests (e.g., enzyme immunoassay, fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test) to confirm syphilis infection

Treatment:

Syphilis is easily treatable with antibiotics, primarily penicillin, administered as injections or oral medication depending on the stage of the infection. The type and duration of treatment vary based on the stage of syphilis and individual patient factors. Close monitoring and follow-up testing are essential to ensure successful treatment and monitor for treatment failure or reinfection.

Prevention:

Preventing syphilis involves practicing safe sex by using condoms correctly and consistently, limiting the number of sexual partners, and undergoing regular STI testing. Screening for syphilis is recommended for sexually active individuals, especially those at increased risk of infection, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and individuals with multiple partners.

 

What are the common symptoms of syphilis?

Common symptoms include painless sores (chancres), rash, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.

 

How is syphilis diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and laboratory testing, including VDRL, RPR, and treponemal tests.

 

What is the treatment for syphilis?

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, primarily penicillin, administered as injections or oral medication based on the stage of infection and individual patient factors.

 

Can syphilis be prevented?

Preventive measures include practicing safe sex, limiting the number of sexual partners, using condoms correctly and consistently, and undergoing regular STI testing.

 

Can syphilis lead to complications if left untreated?

Yes, untreated syphilis can lead to severe health complications, including cardiovascular problems, neurosyphilis, and gummatous lesions affecting various organs.

 

Is syphilis curable?

Yes, syphilis is curable with antibiotics, especially when diagnosed and treated early. However, treatment may not reverse existing complications caused by untreated syphilis.

 

Should sexual partners be notified if one partner is diagnosed with syphilis?

Yes, informing sexual partners about a syphilis diagnosis is essential to prevent further transmission of the infection and ensure that partners receive timely testing and treatment.