Syphilis

Syphilis Latest News

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Denmark for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis.

About Syphilis

• It is a preventable and curable bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Cause: It is caused by the bacteria, Treponema pallidum.
• Transmission

• • People usually get syphilis from sexual contact with someone who has it.
  • People get it if any part of their body touches the sore or rash of someone with syphilis.
  • It can also pass from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, and sometimes through breastfeeding.

‹ ›

Symptoms of Syphilis

• Syphilis develops in stages. 
• The disease starts as a sore that’s often painless and typically appears on the genitals, rectum, or mouth.
• Sometimes it causes swelling in nearby lymph nodes.
• Many people do not notice symptoms for years. Symptoms can go away and come back.
• Without treatment, syphilis can damage the heart, brain, or other organs.
• Syphilis in pregnancy, when not treated, treated late, or treated with the incorrect antibiotic, results in 50−80% of cases with adverse birth outcomes.

Treatment of Syphilis

• It is easy to cure with antibiotics, especially during the early stages.
• Penicillin is the most commonly used medication for syphilis.

Source: NDTV