Taylor McKinney by

Treponema Pallidum

trmckinney01_1 — 2024-12-04 23:50:03 UTC

Syphilis is caused by bacterium Treponema Pallidum that is transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse primarily when a chancre is present.

Chancre

trmckinney01_1 — 2024-12-05 00:03:53 UTC

The first symptom of syphilis to appear is commonly a chancre. Chancres are sores that can appear in or around the mouth, vagina, penis or anus.

Syphilis Rash

trmckinney01_1 — 2024-12-05 00:14:14 UTC

A non-itchy rash can appear during the secondary stage of Syphilis. It is commonly found on hands and feet, but it can spread to other areas of the body.

Other Symptoms of Syphilis

trmckinney01_1 — 2024-12-05 00:16:24 UTC

Additional symptoms of Syphilis can include swollen lymph nodes near chancres, fever, joint and muscle pain, weight loss, and patchy hair loss.

Chancre cont.

trmckinney01_1 — 2024-12-05 00:20:59 UTC

Stages of Syphilis

trmckinney01_1 — 2024-12-05 00:26:25 UTC

Primary Stage: A chancre appears. Can occur 10-90 days after exposure to bacterium and can last around 21 days

Secondary Stage: A non-itchy rash appears. Can last from a few weeks to several months

Latent Stage: No symptoms appear. Can last for years or the remainder of life

Tertiary Stage: Final stage. Can occur years after initial infection if not treated and can cause brain damage, heart disease, and death

Effects of Syphilis on Newborns

trmckinney01_1 — 2024-12-05 00:33:35 UTC

Syphilis transferred through the placenta from mother to baby can cause congenital syphilis.

Effects of Syphilis on Newborns cont.

trmckinney01_1 — 2024-12-05 00:35:32 UTC

Effects of Syphilis on newborns can include the following:

-bone deformities

-liver and/or spleen enlargement

-skin rashes

-blindness

-deafness

-low birth weight

-miscarriage

-stillbirth

Long-term Effects of Syphilis

trmckinney01_1 — 2024-12-05 00:48:23 UTC

If left untreated, Syphilis can cause damage to the brain, heart, eyes and other organs that is irreversible. It can also lead to neurological issues such as dementia, seizures, and blindness, as well as, heart failure and death.

Treatment of Syphilis

trmckinney01_1 — 2024-12-05 00:52:45 UTC

Syphilis is most commonly treated by one injection of an antibiotic called Penicillin G if treated in the primary-early latent stage. Once the infection has progressed into the late latent or tertiary stage it can be treated by 3 injections of Penicillin G given at one week intervals.

Alternative Treatment of Syphilis

trmckinney01_1 — 2024-12-05 00:54:15 UTC

In cases where Penicillin G cannot be administered, Syphilis may be treated orally with other antibiotics including:

-Doxycycline

-Tetracycline

-Ceftriaxone