Syphilis (Treponema Pallidum)
Description
A contagious, sexually-transmitted disease caused by the bacteria, Treponema pallidum. The disorder occurs in three stages with each stage more severe. The first stage, primary syphilis infects the genitalia and can be asymptomatic or cause a painless sore. The secondary stage causes fever, rash, and joint pain. The tertiary stage causes severe brain and heart injury and can result in irreversible damage.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the stage of the disease. Primary syphilis: asymptomatic, painless sores, swollen lymph nodes. Secondary syphilis: fever, fatigue, aches, rash, joint pain, loss of appetite. Tertiary syphilis: confusion, incoordination, heart valve failure, aortic aneurysms.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests are done to establish the diagnosis: VDRL, RPR and FTA-ABS.
Treatment
Therapy depends on the severity of the disease. Antibiotics are prescribed and they include: penicillin, tetracycline, or doxycycline.
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