What is Syphilis?

Syphilis (SIFF-i-lis) is a bacterial infection. Syphilis is caused by a tiny, slender, corkscrew shaped organism called treponema pallidum, which is capable of living for only a few hours outside the human body.

The first sign is usually a sore or ulcer called a chancre. This appears between one week and three months after you have been infected. The sore looks like a pimple, blister or open sore and is painless.
 

Common symptoms

Syphilis has several phases that may overlap one another. They do not always follow in the same sequence. Symptoms vary with each phase, but there are no symptoms most of the time. 50% of infected people show no symptoms.

Syphilis is a common Sexually Trnasmitted Infection.

There are three stages of syphilis infection:

 

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  • Stage 1 presents itself as a painless sore on the penis, genitals, vulva, mouth or anus

  • Stage 2 of infection, usually a few weeks later. The infected person may develop a generalised rash on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

  • Latent Phase: No symptoms. Latent phases occur between other phases.

  • Stage 3 of the infection, there may be no symptoms for a period of years, however, there is possible damage to your health, which could include permanent damage to the heart, brain and vital organs, and death may result.

If the disease is undetected in pregnancy the baby may be born with congenital syphilis which is associated with nose and teeth defects and other abnormalities.
 

How syphilis is spread:

  • From having vaginal, anal or oral intercourse

  • Kissing

  • It can spread to the foetus during pregnancy

 
 

Syphilis is especially contagious when sores are present early in the disease. The liquid that comes from the sores is very infectious. People are usually not contagious during the latent phases of the first four years of syphilis infections. Untreated syphilis remains latent for many years or a lifetime, but can be spread from a pregnant woman to her foetus.

The effect of syphilis on a foetus is very serious. If untreated, the risks of stillbirth or serious birth defects are very high. Birth defects include the following, damage to the heart, brain, and skeleton as well as possible blindness. Pregnant women with syphilis can be treated to prevent damage to the foetus.

 

Diagnosis

  • Examination of vagina or penis

  • Microscopic examination of fluid from sores

  • Blood tests

  • Examination of spinal fluid

How to avoid getting Syphilis

Condoms reduce the risk of infection with syphilis during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

 

Treatment

Syphilis can be treated successfully with antibiotics but it is important to get treatment early. Antibiotics are successful for both partners. However, damage caused by the disease in the later phases cannot be undone. Referral to a STD clinic is vital, plus screening of other STI's is recommended.