Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacteria treponema pallidum. Symptoms of syphilis can be grouped into three stages. In primary syphilis, symptoms appear after 10 days to three months after one has been exposed to infection. The first sign is a small painless sore called a chancre found on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. In secondary syphilis, the chancre disappears but the rash spreads from the trunk to the whole body. The last stage is tertiary syphilis which begins after years of an initial infection. Some complications of syphilis are numbness, blindness, paralysis, and heart disease.

Syphilis can be prevented by having safe sex, avoiding multiple sexual partners and promoting sex education. Syphilis is mainly treated with antibiotic therapy such as penicillin G. However, in cases of penicillin allergy, penicillin desensitization or use of other medications like doxycycline, tetracycline or ceftriaxone is recommended.