FitSugar

STIs Explained: Syphilis

FitSugar — Tue, 15 May 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Since Spring has arrived and romance is in the air, let's talk more about STIs.

STI stands for "sexually transmitted infection." The reason this term is used instead of STDs (sexually transmitted disease) is because the word "infection" is more accurate since many of these are actually curable (except for Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, and HIV). Also, the word "infection" carries less of a negative social stigma than the word "disease."

STIs like Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes, and Genital Warts are 100% avoidable, so your best bet is to abstain from vaginal, anal, or oral sex altogether. Since that's not much fun (and not going to happen), it's a good idea for you and your partner to get tested for all STIs before you have sex.

Using latex or polyurethane condoms is also a great idea, but not completely effective. Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone you know is uninfected will keep you safe and STI-free.

Make sure to see your gynecologist annually to get tested, because early detection of syphilis (in the first stage) can help prevent permanent organ damage to the heart, eyes, brain, nervous system, bones and joints.

Want to know about Syphilis? Then read more

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
Syphilis	Stage 1: One or more painless reddish-brown sores (called chancres) appear on or near the genitals. Sores can also appear on the lips, mouth and fingertips. Stage 2: A skin rash develops anywhere on the body. Flu-like symptoms such as mild fever, fatigue and sore-throat appear. Stage 3: Late stage symptoms include brain damage, mental illness, blindness, organ damage, heart disease and death.	There are 3 ways to test: a doctor's recognition of its symptoms microscopic identification of syphilis bacteria and blood tests	Since syphilis is a bacterial infection, a single injection of Penicillin or other antibiotic will cure a person who has had syphilis for less than 1 year. Additional doses are needed for someone who's had it longer.

STI

Symptoms

How do you test for it?

Treatment

Syphilis

Stage 1: One or more painless reddish-brown sores (called chancres) appear on or near the genitals. Sores can also appear on the lips, mouth and fingertips.
Stage 2: A skin rash develops anywhere on the body. Flu-like symptoms such as mild fever, fatigue and sore-throat appear.
Stage 3: Late stage symptoms include brain damage, mental illness, blindness, organ damage, heart disease and death.

There are 3 ways to test:

a doctor's recognition of its symptoms
microscopic identification of syphilis bacteria
and blood tests

Since syphilis is a bacterial infection, a single injection of Penicillin or other antibiotic will cure a person who has had syphilis for less than 1 year.

Additional doses are needed for someone who's had it longer.

Source

STIs Explained: Chlamydia

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:30:00 -0700

Since Spring has arrived and romance is in the air, I thought I'd take the time to talk about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Not your favorite topic, I know, but definitely worth knowing about.

STI stands for "sexually transmitted infection." The reason this term is used instead of STD (sexually transmitted disease) is because the word "infection" is more accurate since many are actually curable (except for Genital Herpes and Genital Warts). Also, the word "infection" carries less of a negative social stigma than the word "disease."

STIs like chlamydia are 100% preventable, so you can either abstain from sex altogether (not realistic), or have you and your partner get tested before you have sex. Chlamydia can be passed through regular sex, and anal and oral sex, so being in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone you know who is uninfected is also a great way to keep yourself safe. When latex or polyurethane condoms are used consistently and correctly, that can also reduce the risk of transmitting chlamydia.

Make sure you see your gynecologist annually to get tested because if chlamydia goes untreated, irreversible damage can occur to a woman's reproductive organs, causing infertility.

Want to know about chlamydia? Then read more

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
Chlamydia (The #1 STI in the U.S.)	Frequently asymptomatic (no symptoms) Vaginal or penile discharge Burning during urination Women may experience lower abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, and irregular bleeding between periods Men may experience pain or swelling in the testicles	Samples of the infected fluid must be taken. Urine tests are now available too (which is good news for guys) but because they're more expensive, they're not yet available at all health clinics.	Since Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, antibiotics taken orally can cure most infections, but another round of antibiotics might need to be taken to get rid of it completely.

STI

Symptoms

How do you test for it?

Treatment

Chlamydia (The #1 STI in the U.S.)

Frequently asymptomatic (no symptoms)
Vaginal or penile discharge
Burning during urination
Women may experience lower abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, and irregular bleeding between periods
Men may experience pain or swelling in the testicles

Samples of the infected fluid must be taken.

Urine tests are now available too (which is good news for guys) but because they're more expensive, they're not yet available at all health clinics.

Since Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, antibiotics taken orally can cure most infections, but another round of antibiotics might need to be taken to get rid of it completely.

Source

Healthy Penises on the Streets of San Francisco

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 02:21:12 -0800

It is being reported that a recent advertising campaign done by San Francisco's Department of Health featuring cartoon characters shaped like male genitalia has actually encouraged more men to go get tested for syphilis. Since the campaign got started, infection rates have declined in San Francisco.

The campaigns ran on billboards and bus shelters and its recent success has inspired Seattle, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Palm Springs to use similar ads.

To see more of the actual campaign ads, read more

View 12 Photos ›

To learn more about the campaign, visit HealthyPenis.org.

Syphilis

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:55:48 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Syphilis is an easily spread infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum.

Alternative Names

Lues

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Syphilis is an infectious disease. The bacteria that causes it spreads through broken skin or mucous membranes. It is most often spread by sexual contact.

Pregnant mothers infected with the disease can pass it to the baby developing in their womb. This is called congenital syphilis.

Syphilis is widespread in the United States. It mainly involves sexually active adults between ages 20 to 29.

Syphilis has several stages.

Primary syphilis is the first stage. Painless sores ( chancres ) form about 2-3 weeks after you are first infected. You may not notice the sores or any symptoms, particularly if the sores are inside the rectum or cervix. The sores disappear in about 4-6 weeks. For more specific information about this type of syphilis, see primary syphilis.

Secondary syphilis occurs about 2-8 weeks after the first sores form. About 33% of those who do not have primary syphilis treated will develop this second stage. For more specific information about this type of syphilis, see secondary syphilis.

Tertiary syphilis is the final stage of syphilis. The infection spreads to the brain, nervous system, heart, skin, and bones. For more specific information about this type of syphilis, see tertiary syphilis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of syphilis depend on the stage of the disease. Many people do not have symptoms.

In general, painless sores and swollen lymph nodes are symptoms of primary syphilis. Those with secondary syphilis may also have fever, fatigue, aches and pains, and loss of appetite, among other symptoms. Tertiary syphilis causes heart, brain, and nervous system problems.

For more information, see the article on the specific stage of syphilis.

Signs and tests

Blood tests can be done to detect substances produced by the bacteria that causes syphilis. The older test is the VDRL test. Other blood tests may include RPR and FTA-ABS.

Treatment

Antibiotics are used to treat syphilis. The antibiotic of choice is penicillin, yet doxycycline may be used as an alternative in individuals with a penicillin allergy.

The penicillin is either injected into a muscle or vein, depending on what stage syphilis you have.

Several hours after treatment of early stages of syphilis, you may have a reaction called Jarish-Herxheimer reaction. Symptoms of this reaction include:

Fever
Chills
Headache
Nausea
General feeling of being ill
General joint aches
Genera muscle aches

These symptoms usually disappear within 24 hours.

You must have follow-up blood tests at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months to make sure the infection is gone. You should avoid sexual conduct until two follow-up tests show that the infection has been cured. Syphilis is extremely contagious in the primary and secondary stages.

Syphilis is a reportable infection -- that means that doctors must reported any cases of syphilis to public health authorities, so that potentially infected sexual partners may be identified and treated.

Expectations (prognosis)

With prompt treatment and follow-up care, syphilis can be cured.

Late-stage syphilis can lead to long-term health problems, despite therapy.

Complications

Complications of untreated syphilis include:

Neurosyphilis
Heart and blood vessel problems, including aneurysms and inflammation of the aorta
Damage to the skin and bones

Calling your health care provider

Notify your health care provider if you develop signs or symptoms of syphilis. Several conditions may have similar symptoms, so you will need to have a complete medical exam.

Also call your health care provider for an appointment if you have had sexual contact with someone who has syphilis.

Prevention

If you are sexually active, practice safe sex and always use condoms.

All pregnant women should be screened for syphilis.

References

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2005:2274-2276.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Syphilis Infection: Recommendation Statement. Ann Fam Med 2004; 2: 362-365.

Review Date: 6/20/2007

Reviewed By: Arnold L. Lentnek, MD, Division of Infectious Disease, Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_001327

Syphilis - primary

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:52:35 -0700

Illustrations

Primary syphilis

Male and female reproductive systems

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Syphilis is a frequently diagnosed and reported sexually transmitted disease.

Alternative Names

Primary syphilis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by the corkscrew-shaped bacterium (spirochete), Treponema pallidum. This type of bacteria causes infection when it gets into broken skin or mucus membranes, usually of the genitals. It is most often transmitted through sexual contact, although other means of transmission are possible.

Syphilis occurs worldwide. The rate of syphilis is higher in urban, rather than rural, areas, and the number of cases is rising most rapidly in men who have sex with men. Young adults, ages 15-25, are the highest-risk population. People have no natural resistance to syphilis.

Because people may be unaware that they are infected with syphilis, many states require tests for syphilis before marriage. All pregnant women who receive prenatal care are screened for syphilis to prevent the syphilis infection from passing from the mother to the newborn (congenital syphilis).

Syphilis has three stages:

Secondary syphilis, tertiary syphilis, and congenital syphilis are not seen as often in the United States as they were 20 or 30 years ago because of the availability of free, government-run sexually transmitted disease clinics, screening tests for syphilis, public education about STDs, and prenatal screening.

Symptoms

Primary syphilis symptoms include:

Small, painless open sore or ulcer (called a chancre) on the genitals, mouth, skin, or rectum that should heal by itself in 3-6 weeks
Enlarged lymph nodes in the area containing the chancre

The bacteria continues to multiply in the body, but there is little outward evidence of disease until the appearance of the second stage.

Signs and tests

Dark field examination of fluid from sore
FTA-ABS fluorescent treponemal antibody test
RPR
STS (serologic test for syphilis -- any of the other tests may be used)
VDRL

Treatment

Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin G benzathine, doxycycline, or tetracycline (for patients who are allergic to penicillin). Length of treatment depends on the extent of the syphilis and factors such as the patient's overall health.

Syphilis during pregnancy: Penicillin is the drug of choice. Tetracycline cannot be used because it is dangerous to the fetus, and erythromycin may not prevent congenital syphilis in the fetus. People who are allergic to penicillin should ideally be desensitized to it, then treated with penicillin.

Several hours after getting treatment for the early stages of syphilis, people may experience Jarish-Herxheimer reaction, which is caused by an immune reaction to the breakdown products of the infection.

Symptoms of this reaction include:

Chills
Fever
General feeling of being ill (malaise)
Headache
Joint aches
Muscle aches
Nausea

These symptoms usually disappear within 24 hours.

Follow-up blood tests must be done at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months to ensure that the infection is gone. Avoid sexual contact when the chancre is present, and use condoms until two follow-up tests have indicated that the infection has been cured.

The sexual partner should also be treated. Syphilis is extremely contagious in the primary and secondary stages.

Expectations (prognosis)

Syphilis can be completely cured if diagnosed early and treated thoroughly.

Complications

Cardiovascular syphilis
Congenital syphilis
Neurosyphilis
Secondary syphilis
Syphilitic meningitis
Tertiary syphilis

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of syphilis.

If you have had intimate contact with a person who has syphilis or any other STD, or have engaged in any high-risk sexual practices, including having multiple or unknown partners or using intravenous drugs, contact your doctor or get screened in an STD clinic.

Prevention

People with multiple sex partners, partners they don't know, or partners involved in any high-risk sexual practices are at risk for STDs. A person who recognizes that he or she is at risk has taken the first step toward prevention.

Abstinence from sexual activity is the only foolproof way to avoid catching syphilis. Protected sex (using condoms) is the next most reliable method of preventing STDs. Condoms act as a barrier to the transmission of infectious organisms, and should be used in any and all high-risk sexual situations.

Syphilis is a reportable disease, as required by law. The infection must be reported by the health care provider to public health authorities. Information gathered from this reporting helps public health investigators identify, locate, and treat infected sexual contacts. This action helps prevent the continued spread of infection.

Review Date: 11/12/2007

Reviewed By: Arnold L. Lentnek, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000861

Syphilis - tertiary

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:51:13 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention

Illustrations

Late-stage syphilis

Antibodies

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Tertiary syphilis is a late phase of the sexually transmitted disease syphilis, caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum.

Alternative Names

Late syphilis; Tertiary syphilis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Tertiary syphilis can follow the initial infection, primary syphilis, by 3 to 15 years. Secondary syphilis is the stage that precedes tertiary syphilis if primary syphilis is not treated.

In tertiary syphilis, the spirochetes have continued to reproduce for years. Pockets of damage accumulate in various tissues such as the bones, skin, nervous tissue, heart, and arteries. These lesions are called gummas and are very destructive.

Lesions in the central nervous system produce neurological disease called neurosyphilis which can include tabes dorsalis, general paresis, and optic atrophy. Lesions of the heart, heart valves and aorta can lead to aneurysms, valvular heart disease, and aortitis.

Tertiary syphilis is less frequently seen today than in the past because of early detection and adequate treatment.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tertiary syphilis depend on which organ systems have been affected. They vary widely and are difficult to diagnose. In individuals with tertiary syphilis the primary and secondary stages of syphilis usually have been long forgotten. Medical findings of aortic aneurysms and neurological problems require astute diagnostic ability to link them to syphilis. Some of the symptomatic problems are listed below.

Infiltrative tumors of skin, bones, or liver (gumma)
Cardiovascular syphilis which affects the aorta and causes aneurysms or valve disease
Central nervous system disorders (neurosyphilis)

Signs and tests

VDRL or RPR blood tests
Confirmatory blood tests, such as FTA-ABS (fluorescent treponemal antibody test)
Spinal fluid examination in neurosyphilis shows signs of meningitis.

Treatment

The treatment of syphilis is determined by the length of time the person has been infected. Primary, secondary, and latent syphilis of less than 1 year duration is treated using one of the following therapies:

Benzathine penicillin 2.4 million units injected into a muscle (IM) as a single dose.
Doxycycline 100 mg by mouth twice per day for 2 weeks.
Tetracycline 500 mg by mouth 4 times per day for 2 weeks.
Erythromycin 500 mg by mouth 4 times per day for 2 weeks.
Ceftriaxone 250 mg IM (intramuscular injection) daily for 10 days.

For treatment of syphilis of greater than 1 year duration:

Benzathine penicillin 2.4 million units IM weekly for 3 weeks.
Doxycycline 100 mg by mouth twice per day for 30 days.
Tetracycline 500 mg by mouth twice per day for 30 days.

For treatment of neurosyphilis:

Aqueous penicillin G 12 to 24 million units injected into a vein (IV) daily for 10 days followed by benzathine penicillin 2.4 million units once a week for 3 weeks.
Procaine penicillin 2.4 million units IM daily given with oral probenecid 500 mg 4 times per day -- both for 10 days.

To treat syphilis during pregnancy:

Penicillin is recommended as the only drug of choice. Tetracycline cannot be used because of toxicity to the fetus, and erythromycin may fail to prevent congenital syphilis in the fetus. Penicillin-allergic individuals should be desensitized and then treated with penicillin.

Several hours following treatment of early stages of syphilis, some individuals may undergo a febrile reaction called Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. This is thought to be caused by the release into the circulation of material from dead or dying spirochetes. Symptoms of this reaction include:

Fever
Chills
Headache
Nausea
General feeling of being ill (malaise)
Generalized joint aches (arthralgia)
Generalized muscle aches (myalgia)

These symptoms usually disappear within 24 hours.

Follow-up blood tests must be done at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months to ensure that the infection has been eliminated.

Individuals with primary or secondary syphilis should abstain from sex until they have been treated. Syphilis is extremely contagious in the primary and secondary stages.

Expectations (prognosis)

Late syphilis may be permanently disabling and may lead to death.

Complications

Cardiovascular syphilis
Aneurysms
Valvular heart disease
Neurosyphilis
- tabes dorsalis
- general paresis
- optic nerve atrophy or optic neuritis

Calling your health care provider

Untreated syphilis can result in serious health problems. It is imperative that you inform your physician of the possibility of having had syphilis previously, even if it was many years ago.

Prevention

People who have multiple or unknown sex partners or partners who are involved in any high-risk sexual practices are at risk for acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Individuals who recognize that they are at risk have taken the first step toward prevention.

Total abstinence is the only way to completely avoid the possibility of infection with a sexually transmitted disease. Monogamous sex with a healthy partner is lower risk, and protected sex using condoms also dramatically reduces risk. Condoms act as a barrier to the transmission of infectious organisms (pathogens) and should be used in any and all situations that could be considered risky.

Syphilis is a reportable disease. The infection must be reported by health care professionals to public health authorities. Information acquired from reporting helps public health investigators identify, locate, and treat infected sexual contacts, which helps prevent continued spread of disease.

Review Date: 8/8/2006

Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000662

Syphilis - secondary

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:52:32 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention
References

Illustrations

Syphilis, secondary on the palms

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Secondary syphilis is the second stage of the sexually transmitted disease syphilis. This stage is the most contagious.

Alternative Names

Secondary syphilis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Syphilis has three main stages: primary syphilis, secondary syphilis, and tertiary syphilis.

About a third of untreated individuals with primary syphilis will develop secondary syphilis. This usually occurs at about 2 to 8 weeks after the appearance of the original painless sore (chancre). Sometimes, the sore may still be present.

In secondary syphilis, the bacteria has spread into the bloodstream.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is a skin rash, which varies in appearance, yet frequently involves the palms and soles. Lesions called mucous patches may be seen in or on the mouth, vagina, or penis.

Moist, warty patches may develop on the genitalia or skin folds. These are called condylomata lata.

During secondary syphilis, additional symptoms such as fever, general ill feeling, loss of appetite, muscle aches, joint pain, enlarged lymph nodes, and hair loss may occur.

Signs and tests

Blood tests can be done to detect substances produced by the bacteria that causes syphilis. An initial screening is done with the VDRL test or RPR. If these are positive, the diagnosis is confirmed by another blood test called FTA-ABS.

Treatment

Antibiotics are used to treat syphilis. The antibiotic of choice is penicillin, yet doxycycline may be used as an alternative in individuals with a penicillin allergy.

You must have follow-up blood tests at 3 and 6 months (and later if needed) to make sure the infection is gone. You should avoid sexual conduct until two follow-up tests show that the infection has been cured. Syphilis is extremely contagious in the primary and secondary stages.

Several hours after treatment, some people have a reaction called Jarish-Herxheimer reaction. Symptoms of this reaction include:

Fever
Chills
Headache
Nausea
General feeling of being ill
General joint aches
Genera muscle aches

These symptoms usually disappear within 24 hours.

Expectations (prognosis)

Secondary syphilis can be completely cured if diagnosed early and treated effectively. While it usually goes away within weeks, in some cases it may last up to 1 year. Without treatment, up to one-third of patients will develop late complications of syphilis.

Complications

The complications of syphilis are related to the development of the syndromes associated with tertiary syphilis:

Neurosyphilis
Cardiovascular complications (aortitis and aneurysms)
Destructive lesions of the skin and bones (gummas)

In addition, untreated secondary syphilis during pregnancy may spread the disease to the developing baby. This is called congenital syphilis.

Calling your health care provider

Notify your health care provider if you develop signs or symptoms of syphilis. Several conditions may have similar symptoms, so you will need to have a complete medical exam.

Also call your health care provider for an appointment if you have had sexual contact with someone who has syphilis.

Prevention

If you are sexually active, practice safe sex and always use condoms.

All pregnant women should be screened for syphilis.

References

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2005:2274-2276.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Syphilis Infection: Recommendation Statement. Ann Fam Med 2004; 2: 362-365.

Review Date: 6/22/2007

Reviewed By: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB)Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000854

Congenital syphilis

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:55:56 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Congenital syphilis is a severe, disabling, and often life-threatening infection seen in infants. A pregnant mother who has syphilis can spread the disease through the placenta to the unborn infant.

Alternative Names

Congenital lues; Fetal syphilis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Congenital syphilis is caused by the organism Treponema pallidum, which is passed from mother to child during fetal development or birth. Nearly half of all children infected with syphilis while they are in the womb die shortly before or after birth.

Despite the fact that this disease can be cured with antibiotics if caught early, rising rates of syphilis among pregnant women in the United States have recently increased the number of infants born with congenital syphilis.

Symptoms

Symptoms in newborns may include:

Failure to gain weight or failure to thrive
Fever
Irritability
No bridge to nose (saddle nose)
Early rash -- small blisters on the palms and soles
Later rash -- copper-colored, flat or bumpy rash on the face, palms, and soles
Rash of the mouth, genitalia, and anus
Severe congenital pneumonia
Watery discharge from the nose

Symptoms in older infants and young children may include:

Abnormal notched and peg-shaped teeth called Hutchinson teeth
Bone pain
Blindness
Clouding of the cornea
Decreased hearing or deafness
Gray, mucous-like patches on the anus and outer vagina
Joint swelling
Refusal to move a painful arm or leg
Saber shins (bone problem of the lower leg)
Scarring of the skin around the mouth, genitalia, and anus

Signs and tests

If the disorder is suspected at the time of birth, the placenta will be examined for signs of syphilis. A physical examination of the infant may show signs of liver and spleen swelling and bone inflammation.

The mother may receive the following blood tests:

FTA-ABS (fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbed test)
RPR (Rapid plasma reagin)
VDRL (Venereal disease research laboratory test)

An infant or child may have the following tests done:

Bone x-ray
Eye examination
Lumbar puncture
Dark-field examination to better detect syphilis-related bacteria under a microscope

Treatment

Penicillin is used to treat all forms of syphilis.

Expectations (prognosis)

Many infants who were infected early in the pregnancy are stillborn. Treatment of the expectant mother lowers the risk of congenital syphilis in the infant. Babies who become infected when passing through the birth canal have a better outlook.

Complications

Blindness
Deafness
Facial deformity
Neurological problems

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if your baby has signs or symptoms of this condition.

If you think that you may have syphilis and are pregnant (or anticipate becoming pregnant), call your health care provider immediately.

Prevention

Safer sexual practices may help prevent syphilis. If you suspect you have a sexually transmitted disease such as syphilis, seek medical attention immediately to avoid complications like infecting a fetus during pregnancy or birth.

Prenatal care is very important. A routine blood test for syphilis is done during pregnancy. This identifies infected mothers and allows them to be treated to reduce the risks to the infant and themselves. Infants born to infected mothers who received proper penicillin treatment during pregnancy are at minimal risk for congenital syphilis.

Review Date: 10/8/2007

Reviewed By: Deirdre O’Reilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_001344

Stroke secondary to syphilis

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:51:36 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Calling your health care provider
Prevention
References

Illustrations

Central nervous system

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Stroke is life-threatening complication of a long-term syphilis infection.

Alternative Names

Syphilitic stroke

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Untreated, late-stage tertiary syphilis can cause inflammation and blockage of the arteries that supply the brain. A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain. Stroke can lead to brain tissue damage.

Symptoms

The following symptoms may occur about 1-4 weeks before the stroke:

Headache
Vertigo (abnormal sensation of movement)
Behavioral changes
Irritability

Symptoms of stroke include:

Weakness or the total inability to move a body part
Numbness, tingling or other abnormal sensations
Decreased or lost vision, partial or temporary
Language difficulties (aphasia)
Inability to recognize or identify sensory stimuli (agnosia)
Loss of memory
Vertigo (abnormal sensation of movement)
Loss of coordination
Swallowing difficulties
Personality changes
Mood and emotion changes
Urinary incontinence (lack of control over bladder)
Lack of control over the bowels
Consciousness changes
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Loss of consciousness

Signs and tests

The doctor will ask if you have a history of syphilis. Blood tests can be done to check for substances in the blood produced by the bacteria that causes syphilis. These include:

Venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL)
Rapid plasma reagin test (RPR)

If tests are positive, other tests are done to confirm the diagnosis. A spinal tap may be done to check for syphilis-related substances in the CSF (cerebrospinal fluid).

The following tests may be used to determine the location and severity of the stroke:

Treatment

For stroke treatment, see the article on stroke.

Antibiotics are used in high doses to treat the syphilis infection. Pain killers may be needed to control severe headaches.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome depends on the extent of damage to the brain, the presence of other complications of late syphilis, and other factors.

Calling your health care provider

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have any symptoms of a stroke.

Prevention

Stroke secondary to syphilis may be prevented by receiving prompt treatment and follow-up care for syphilis.

References

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2005.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2004.

Review Date: 3/5/2007

Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Late-stage syphilis

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:37:17 -0700

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HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Tertiary syphilis is a late stage of the disease which can follow the initial infection, primary syphilis, by several years(3-15). Pockets of damage accumulate in various tissues such as the bones, skin, nervous tissue, heart, and arteries. These lesions are called gummas and are very destructive.

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