Everything you need to know about syphilis: Causes, symptoms, transmission, treatment tips

Causes of syphilis: Besides sexual contact, syphilis can spread through the placenta from the mother to the foetus, blood transfusion and direct contact with an open lesion (Image: Canva)

Syphilis is a long-term infection that is usually transmitted via sexual contact. The causative organism is a spirochete, called Treponema pallidum, which has a slender, corkscrew shape. One of the most common source of infection is the lesion of primary or secondary syphilis. The lesions in the mucous membranes or in the skin of the genital organs may also serve as a source of infection.

Such lesions may also be found in the rectum, mouth, fingers or the nipples, and may be in the form of a chancre, a mucous patch, or a skin rash.

Non-Sexual Transmission:

Besides sexual contact, syphilis may also spread through the placenta (the organ formed during pregnancy which connects the mother and the foetus, and provides nutrition to the developing baby), from the mother to the foetus. Other routes of infection include blood transfusion and direct contact with an open lesion.

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What is a Primary Chancre:

A primary chancre is one of the classical lesions of syphilis. In males, it may develop on the penis, scrotum or the anal canal, and in females, it may be seen in the cervix, vulva or even the wall of the vagina. The lesion is mostly single and firm, and is not painful to touch (no tenderness). It can be raised and look red coloured, but may quickly erode to become an ulcer.

Alongside, regional lymphadenitis may develop, which is the inflammation, along with the enlargement of the lymph nodes that drain a specific area in the body. This happens almost within a week of the development of the primary chancre. The lymph nodes, though enlarged, are not painful, but only firm and rubbery. Even if no medical intervention is initiated, the primary chancre may heal by itself in four to six weeks.

Progression to Secondary Syphilis:

However, if the affected person does not take treatment within four to ten weeks, the primary chancre may turn into secondary syphilis. The person may begin experiencing symptoms like malaise and sore throat. Some may also have headaches and joint pain, along with a low-grade fever.

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To detect the cause, a dark-field microscopy is advised, which is the most sensitive and specific method for identifying the organism Treponema pallidum. A VDRL test (Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory) and a rapid plasma reagin test are some non-specific tests that may be done.
If there are signs of cardiovascular involvement in syphilis, the cerebrospinal fluid must also be examined.

Depending upon the stage, the treatment is initiated. Antibiotics may be prescribed by the healthcare provider, and must be taken timely.

FAQs on Symptoms of Syphilis

1. What are the primary symptoms of syphilis?

Primary symptoms include a single, firm, non-painful lesion called a chancre, which can appear on genital organs, rectum, mouth, fingers, or nipples.

2. Can syphilis be transmitted non-sexually?

Yes, syphilis can be transmitted from mother to foetus via the placenta and through blood transfusion or direct contact with an open lesion.

3. What happens if primary syphilis is not treated?

If untreated, primary syphilis can progress to secondary syphilis within 4 to 10 weeks, causing symptoms like malaise, sore throat, headaches, joint pain, and low-grade fever.

4. How is syphilis diagnosed?

Syphilis is diagnosed using dark-field microscopy, VDRL test, and rapid plasma reagin test. For cardiovascular involvement, cerebrospinal fluid examination is required.

5. What is the treatment for syphilis?

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics prescribed by healthcare providers, and it is crucial to take the medication timely.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.