SYPHILIS

Syphilis

Syphilis

Introduction

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the spiral bacteria called Treponema pallidum. Syphilis consists of three main stages, primary stage, secondary stage, and latent stage. The latent stage may lead to a final stage called the tertiary stage.

One of the older Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) that have been in effect since ancient history time is Syphilis. The disease can be cured by penicillin, if not too late. It spreads quickly and through open sores of the mouth, genitals, or anus. “Within half an hour of being infected, the disease has spread to the lymph nodes in the genital area. Then the disease goes into the bloodstream, which carries them into just about every part of the body” (Broadman, Thacker, and Kranz 42). This disease under goes four stages, starting with primary Syphilis. The primary stage takes place from three to eight weeks which has an infectious agent called the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Its symptoms include sores outside or inside the mouth and genital area that are non-painful, these are ulcers called Chancre. The secondary stage of Syphilis takes place six months later which include symptoms of non-painful rashes on the soles of feet, swollen joints, aching bones, and headache. “The third stage of syphilis is known as latent stage. Latent means 'lying in wait,' and it reflects the fact that at this stage, there are no symptoms. All the time, however, the disease is lying in wait, eating away at the heart, the brain, or other organs, and can go on for twenty years ” (Brodman, Thacker, and Kranz 44). The late stage of Syphilis is the final stage, which includes harsh symptoms of blindness, insanity, or crippling. Congenital Syphilis is when a child is born with the disease given by the mother. Syphilis is contagious enough to get it by sharing food, bathroom, or utensils.

Stages of Syphilis

There are many cures to syphilis, and it is virtually eliminated from today's society. There are a few ways to contract the disease, all of which can be prevented.

The primary stage of syphilis is characterized by a small lesion, called a chancre, which resembles a pimple, blister or open sore. This occurs anytime between nine days and three months after infection. Fluid from the chancre is extremely infectious, but usually painless. Normally it appears on the genitals or near where the bacteria entered the body. It often hides and ...