Syphilis
Treponema pallidum – spiochaete
Spread
Acquired – sexual contact
Congenital - transplacentally (mother to fetus)
Syphilis -acquired
Primary
After 10-90 days of exposure.
Papule in the inoculation site, later ulcerate.
Can be unnoticed.
Secondary
4-10 weeks after primary lesion.
Fever, sore throat, malaise.
Can found – Generalized lymphadenopathy, Skin rash,
Symptoms disappear without treatment.
Tertiary
Skin – characteristic lesion – Gumma (granulomatous lesions).
Congenital syphilis
Early stage
Nasal discharge, skin and mucous membrane lesions.
2-6 weeks after birth.
Late / ‘stigmata’ – teeth, bone defect.
Syphilis -Treatment
Can see organism by dark-ground microscopy.
Serology –
VDRL – screening test.
TPHA
Treatment – antibiotics