Syphilis (treponema pallidum)
About Syphilis (treponema pallidum)
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, causes a painless sore that is usually in the genital area. The second stage (`secondary syphilis`) causes fever, rash, and joint pain. Advanced syphilis (`tertiary syphilis`) causes brain or heart or blood vessel 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 & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests are done to establish the diagnosis: VDRL, RPR and FTA-ABS.Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy depends on the severity of the disease. Antibiotics are prescribed and they include: penicillin, tetracycline, or doxycycline.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Obstetrics and Gynecology · Family Practice · Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Syphilis (treponema pallidum).