Syphilis is a caused by Spirochetal bacterium treponeme pallidum, a spiral shaped organism. It is a disease that is transmitted through sexual contact. However, there are examples, which show that it can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to an unborn fetus. The disease is alternatively referred to as the ‘great pox', ‘Cupid's' disease or ‘Lues'. An Italian physician is said to have coined the name “syphilis”. The origin of the disease is traced back to the 13- 14th centuries and more often to the pre-historic times.



The disease passes through 5 stages. Each stage brings about a different manifestation. These changes and manifestations are the symptoms of the disease.

Primary, Secondary, Latent, Tertiary and Neurosyphilis are the stages of the disease.

1-Primary syphilis is the first stage of the disease. Acquired through sexual contact, a small lesion appears on the point of contact after about 10 to 90 days after the incidence of an unprotected sex. Often, the penis, rectum or the vagina become the point of a skin lesion. This lesion persists for about 4 to 6 weeks and generally goes unnoticed by the patients. The lesion heals by itself but can lead to a swelling in the lymph node.

2-Secondary syphilis comes to fore after the primary infection. It happens within 6 months. A symmetrical non-itchy rash is usually the beginning of the second stage. The rash, which is reddish -pink in color appears on the extremities and trunk. This rash can appear on the soles of the feet and hands. Lesions with Mucous content are also a symptom. Other common symptoms of a secondary syphilis are fever, malaise, weight loss, headache and meningismus. From this stage on a person becomes contagious as the lesions are infectious for each one harbor active treponemes.

3-Latent syphilis does not have clinical evidence. This stage is again divided into early and late latent syphilis. Syphilis which is less than 2 years from the initial infection is called early syphilis. Late latent syphilis is considered to be above 2 years. This stage does not necessarily show any symptoms. Patients in this stage may or may not proceed to other stages.

4-Tertiary stage occurs after about 10 years from early contact. It may also take upto 50 years. Characterized by gummas, which are tumor-like soft balls. They can appear anywhere in the body. These gummas or otherwise called granulomas, if left untreated can lead to Neurosyphilis. Other symptoms in this stage are loss of sensation, personality changes, hyperactiveness, emotional instability and cardiovascular congestions and complications.

5-Infection affecting the central nervous system is termed as Neurosyphilis. An infected patient can proceed to be a Neurosyphilic at any stage. This stage is common among patients infected with HIV.

Treatment: Penicillin remains the only first choice treatment available to treat any manifestation of syphilis. Oral tetracycline and doxycycline is given to patients who are allergic to penicillin. However, there use is limited and little is known about its effectiveness.

To prevent the condition and educate people about the effects of unprotected sex remains the foremost step towards the eradication of the disease.

To Your Health!