What is the pathogenesis of syphilis?
While the lesions of primary syphilis are localized to sites of initial inoculation, the pathogen is thought to invade intercellular junctions of the endothelium, resulting in haematogenous dissemination of the organism during the primary stage, seeding the central nervous system and remainder of the body 18.
What is syphilis article?
Syphilis is a systemic, bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Due to its many protean clinical manifestations, it has been named the “great imitator and mimicker.” The origin of syphilis has been controversial and under great debate and many theories have been postulated regarding this.
Is syphilis caused by bacteria or protozoa?
The causative agent of syphilis is the spirochete Treponema pallidum and it can be transmitted sexually or congenitally. Humans are the only known hosts and transmission is virtually always by direct contact with infectious lesions, generally through sexual contact.
How do you treat Treponema pallidum?
There are no home remedies or over-the-counter drugs that will cure syphilis, but syphilis is easy to cure in its early stages. A single intramuscular injection of long acting Benzathine penicillin G (2.4 million units administered intramuscularly) will cure a person who has primary, secondary or early latent syphilis.
Who is syphilis most common among?
It occurs most commonly in those between 15 and 40 years of age. In the United States, rates of syphilis as of 2007 were six times greater in men than women while they were nearly equal in 1997. Rates are also greater in African Americans and Hispanics than in Caucasians.
How do you acquire syphilis?
Syphilis is transmitted from person to person by direct contact with a syphilitic sore, known as a chancre. Chancres can occur on or around the external genitals, in the vagina, around the anus , or in the rectum, or in or around the mouth. Transmission of syphilis can occur during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Can amoxicillin cure syphilis?
Amoxycillin is thus a safe and effective oral agent for the treatment of all stages of syphilis in man.
Can I get syphilis from kissing?
Second, kissing can also transmit syphilis, which may present as an oral chancre. T pallidum can invade mucous membranes through abrasion. Therefore, oral chancre can result from kissing with a syphilis patient. Therefore, kissing with a syphilis patient should also be avoided in order to block the infection.
Can a child get syphilis from kissing?
However, children may also acquire syphilis as a consequence of close contact, such as kissing, breast-feeding, fondling, handling, or prechewed food feeding, or even use of contaminated utensils, when family members or caregivers are affected by active syphilis.
Can I get syphilis from a toilet seat?
You cannot get syphilis through casual contact with objects such as toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils.
What is the main cause of syphilis?
The cause of syphilis is a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. The most common route of transmission is through contact with an infected person’s sore during sexual activity. The bacteria enter your body through minor cuts or abrasions in your skin or mucous membranes.
What are the stages in which a syphilis infection spreads?
Primary Syphilis. The first stage of the syphilis disease is the primary stage which results after three to four weeks of getting infected with the bacteria.
What are facts about syphilis?
Syphilis Facts. Facts about Syphilis. Syphilis is also a treatable or curable disease caused by bacteria. Before the occurrence of antibiotics, it caused many epidemics. Syphilis is called “the great imitator”, because it shows many signs similar to other diseases. Syphilis is also commonly called bad blood.
What is the infectious agent of syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that has been around for thousands of years and was for a long time the major venereal disease transmitted through prostitutes. The underlying infectious agent is called Treponema pallidum, which is a spirally shaped bacterium. It can be seen utilizing a dark-field microscope.