Syphilis is a contagious venereal disease. Bacterial infection is spread through sexual intercourse, by needle sharing among drug users and, more rarely, by transfusion.
Symptoms appear about three weeks and sometimes three months after infection. The first is a small painless sore. Untreated, the rash multiply on the skin, often on the palms. These signs may disappear but the infection remains contagious. As it progresses, syphilis can damage the brain and blood vessels. It leads to dementia, general paralysis and sometimes death.
Syphilis can be asymptomatic. A person can transmit the infection by ignoring it is infected.
The precautions are the systematic use of condoms and HIV testing, especially for those with more than one sexual partner. The screening is done by a blood test or a sample.
It is mandatory to declare the disease and treatment. Partners must be notified and examined by a doctor.
Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin. The primary stage syphilis is treated by a single injection. At a very advanced stage, penicillin is administered intravenously for 15 days.
Syphilis is unfortunately increasing in developed countries.
13 avril 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |