Questions and Answers on Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It can also be transmitted from a mother to her unborn child during pregnancy, causing disease in the baby.

Syphilis symptoms vary depending on the different stages and can be asymptomatic. In the primary stage, it is characterized by the appearance of a painless sore (chancre). In the secondary stage, skin rashes, fever, and general ill feeling may appear. In the late stage, serious complications such as damage to internal organs, bones, heart, and the nervous system can develop.

Prevention of syphilis involves safe sexual practices, including consistent use of condoms and reducing the number of sexual partners. Additionally, it is important to get regularly screened, especially for people with higher risk of infection and pregnant women.

There are two main types of serological tests. Treponemal tests detect specific antibodies against Treponema pallidum, and non-treponemal tests detect non-specific antibodies produced in response to syphilis infection. Rapid treponemal tests can be performed without the need for laboratory equipment.

Treponemal tests remain reactive for life when a person has previously had syphilis. On the other hand, non-treponemal tests are not specific for syphilis and can be reactive in other conditions or diseases. In these cases, the diagnosis of syphilis is generally made through an algorithm that combines treponemal and non-treponemal tests.

Yes, syphilis is curable with proper treatment. However, early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and transmission.

Penicillin is the treatment of choice for syphilis. The dosege and duration of treatment vary depending on the stage of infection.

If left untreated, syphilis can progress to more advanced stages, which can result in serious complications such as heart damage, blindness, neurological disorders, and even death.

Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, congenital syphilis (transmission to the baby), and severe birth defects.

Congenital syphilis is the transmission of syphilis from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy. This can occur through the placenta or during vaginal delivery if the mother is infected.

Congenital syphilis can cause many health problems in the baby, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, congenital abnormalities, organ damage (liver, spleen, bones), as well as neurological damage.

Diagnosis is made through screening of the newborn. Early treatment with antibiotics, such as crystalline penicillin, is crucial to prevent severe complications.

Prenatal screening for syphilis in pregnant women is essential to identify and treat the infection timely, eliminating the risk of transmission to the fetus and preventing congenital syphilis.

It is important to inform patients about the importance of completing the treatment as prescribed by their doctor, as well as the need for follow-up testing to ensure the infection has been cured.

When providing care to patients with syphilis, it is essential to adopt a non-judgmental approach, provide accurate information, and foster an environment of trust so that patients feel comfortable sharing information about their sexual health. Additionally, education on STI prevention is crucial to combat stigma and promote sexual and reproductive health.

The fear of penicillin is often related to the risk of allergic reactions. However, these reactions have been shown to be very rare.

For patients with penicillin allergy, alternatives such as doxycycline, ceftriaxone, or other antibiotics can be considered. In cases of syphilis during pregnancy, there are no effective alternatives, and benzathine penicillin is the recommended treatment. For congenital syphilis and neurosyphilis, there is limited information on the efficacy of alternative regimens. In these cases, for patients allergic to penicillin, it is crucial to evaluate the risk-benefit with an infectious disease specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment, which may include desensitization to penicillin under medical supervision.