SYPHILIS

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease and it is caused by the spirochete called Treponema pallidum.
It is acquired through sexual contact or may be congenital in origin.

How is syphilis transmitted?

You can get the bacteria THROUGH THE FOLLOWING:

1. direct contact with a syphilis sore (usually found on the vagina, anus, rectum, in the mouth, or
on the lips) during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person
2. Continued contact to the same person may lead to reinfection
3. an infected mother can pass syphilis to her unborn child, which can result in serious
complications or even death of the unborn child

Pathognomonic signs and symptoms

 painless chancre or ulceration

(Stages)

In the untreated person, the course of syphilis can be divided into three stages: primary, secondary, and
tertiary. These stages reflect the time from infection and the clinical manifestations observed in that
period, and are the basis for treatment decisions.

Primary syphilis occurs 2 to 3 weeks after initial inoculation with the organism. Signs and symptoms
include painless lesion at the site of infection or chancre. Untreated, these lesions usually resolve
spontaneously within about 2 months.

Secondary syphilis occurs when the hematogenous spread of organisms from the original chancre leads
to generalized infection. The rash of secondary syphilis generally occurs about 2 to 8 weeks after the
chancre and involves the trunk and the extremities, including the palms of the hands and the soles of
the feet. Transmission of the organism can occur through contact with these lesions. Generalized signs
of infection may include lymphadenopathy, arthritis, meningitis, hair loss, fever, malaise, and weight
loss.

After the secondary stage, there is a period of latency, during which the infected person has no signs or
symptoms of syphilis. Latency can be interrupted by a recurrence of secondary syphilis.

Tertiary syphilis is the final stage in the natural history of the disease. It is estimated that between 20%
and 40% of those infected do not exhibit signs and symptoms of this final stage. In this stage, syphilis
presents as a slowly progressive, inflammatory disease with the potential to affect multiple organs. The
most common manifestations at this level are aortitis and neurosyphilis, as evidenced by dementia,
psychosis, paresis, stroke, or meningitis.
How can YOU reduce my risk of getting syphilis?

 Gloves are worn when having direct contact with lesions

 Hand washing before and after contact

 Isolation is not required

If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting syphilis:

Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested for syphilis
and does not have syphilis;

Using latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. Condoms prevent transmission of syphilis
by preventing contact with a sore. Sometimes sores occur in areas not covered by a condom. Contact
with these sores can still transmit syphilis.

USE DENTAL DAM WHEN HAVING ORAL SEX

The infected patient should be told what the causative organism is and should receive an explanation of
the usual course of the infection (including interval of potential communicability to others) and possible
complications. The nurse should stress the importance of following therapy as prescribed and the need
to report any therapeutic side effects or symptom progression.

Abstinence is the best way to avoid having syphilis.

Medical management:

The Drug of choice in treating syphilis is Penicillin G benzathine. In early stage, single dose of pen g is
given. In latent syphilis, 3 injections of pen g is guven with 1 week interval.

If client have allergy with penicillin: Doxycycline is given.

 Other alternatives such as tetracycline, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin is also given.