Syphilis

Syphilis is a <a href="/facts/Sexually_transmitted_infection/IYL1rxdI">sexually transmitted infection</a> caused by the <a href="/facts/Bacterium/wC8xSCsU">bacterium</a> <a href="/facts/Treponema_pallidum/33nBmQTg">Treponema pallidum</a> <a href="/facts/Subspecies/4L9jFacF">subspecies</a> pallidum. The signs and symptoms depend on the stage it presents: primary, secondary, <a href="/facts/Latent_syphilis/fdnGLyLT">latent</a> or tertiary. The primary stage classically presents with a single <a href="/facts/Chancre/QQxE4SW2">chancre</a> (a firm, painless, non-itchy <a href="/facts/Ulcer_(dermatology)/ALY0IW1n">skin ulceration</a> usually between 1 cm and 2 cm in diameter), though there may be multiple sores. In secondary syphilis, a diffuse <a href="/facts/Rash/W97qGpq6">rash</a> occurs, which frequently involves the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. There may also be sores in the mouth or vagina. Latent syphilis has no symptoms and can last years. In tertiary syphilis, there are <a href="/facts/Gumma_(pathology)/UMuCsPBS">gummas</a> (soft, non-cancerous growths), neurological problems, or heart symptoms. Syphilis has been known as "<a href="/facts/The_great_imitator/K6tlHvbw">the great imitator</a>", because it may cause symptoms similar to many other diseases.
Syphilis is most commonly spread through <a href="/facts/Human_sexual_activity/jNYgvpq4">sexual activity</a>. It may also be <a href="/facts/Vertical_transmission/5KmmumIw">transmitted from mother to baby</a> during pregnancy or at birth, resulting in <a href="/facts/Congenital_syphilis/5oCKt60X">congenital syphilis</a>. Other diseases caused by <a href="/facts/Treponema/Td85J5su">Treponema</a> bacteria include <a href="/facts/Yaws/obmknqrq">yaws</a> (<a href="/facts/Treponema_pallidum/33nBmQTg">T. pallidum</a> subspecies pertenue), <a href="/facts/Pinta_(disease)/ctdsKPcB">pinta</a> (<a href="/facts/Treponema_carateum/ESsNx1Iu">T. carateum</a>), and <a href="/facts/Nonvenereal_endemic_syphilis/rh0HY3qX">nonvenereal endemic syphilis</a> (T. pallidum subspecies endemicum). These three diseases are not typically sexually transmitted. Diagnosis is usually made by using <a href="/facts/Serological_testing/wmNg447o">blood tests</a>; the bacteria can also be detected using <a href="/facts/Dark_field_microscopy/Swz0KbFj">dark field microscopy</a>. The <a href="/facts/Centers_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention/NmoJNDV5">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (U.S.) recommends for all pregnant women to be tested.
The risk of sexual transmission of syphilis can be reduced by using a <a href="/facts/Latex/IPBJbKnd">latex</a> or <a href="/facts/Polyurethane/qNo2KSXA">polyurethane</a> <a href="/facts/Condom/A39P32AV">condom</a>. Syphilis can be effectively treated with <a href="/facts/Antibiotics/sF1kIfxg">antibiotics</a>. The preferred antibiotic for most cases is <a href="/facts/Benzathine_benzylpenicillin/mTCIxmn0">benzathine benzylpenicillin</a> <a href="/facts/Intramuscular_injection/PPNwW2wB">injected into a muscle</a>. In those who have a severe <a href="/facts/Penicillin_allergy/5HSkYY0y">penicillin allergy</a>, <a href="/facts/Doxycycline/A8DBTzNh">doxycycline</a> or <a href="/facts/Tetracycline/DQ0exP62">tetracycline</a> may be used. In those with <a href="/facts/Neurosyphilis/RyqWG559">neurosyphilis</a>, <a href="/facts/Intravenous/AwwuD3Nu">intravenous</a> <a href="/facts/Benzylpenicillin/f5mRK45E">benzylpenicillin</a> or <a href="/facts/Ceftriaxone/9NpBWG12">ceftriaxone</a> is recommended. During treatment, people may develop fever, headache, and <a href="/facts/Myalgia/AbVybHB8">muscle pains</a>, a reaction known as <a href="/facts/Jarisch%E2%80%93Herxheimer_reaction/fak3o8Px">Jarisch–Herxheimer</a>.
In 2015, about 45.4 million people had syphilis infections, of which six million were new cases. During 2015, it caused about 107,000 deaths, down from 202,000 in 1990. After decreasing dramatically with the availability of penicillin in the 1940s, rates of infection have increased since the turn of the millennium in many countries, often in combination with <a href="/facts/HIV/ulY2rgzu">human immunodeficiency virus</a> (HIV). This is believed to be partly due to unsafe drug use, increased <a href="/facts/Prostitution/LS7VeWB5">prostitution</a>, and decreased use of <a href="/facts/Condom/A39P32AV">condoms</a>.

Syphilis open-in-new

Syphilis