Protect Yourself From Deadly Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD), also referred to as venereal diseases (VD), are among the most common infectious diseases in the US, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

More than 13 million men, women, in America are infected each year with sexually transmitted diseases. This number can be drastically reduced, if sexual partners would use condoms, present themselves for regular screening, and undergo adequate treatment after contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

It's appalling that the average person has to be positively diagnosed, prior to acquiring knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases. At this point in time, they most likely would have infected several other innocent people they bump into, socially, casually, and sexually.

You should know the essential facts about STD in order to recognize the symptoms, so you can seek STD treatment immediately, just in case you become infected. Furthermore, learn the methods of treatment, and the many ways sexually transmitted diseases are spread. This would be a crucial step toward prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases will not only devastate your sexual health, but could become fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. Click here for an introduction to sexually transmitted diseases.

Real Facts About STD

Sexually transmitted diseases are usually spread during person-to-person transfer of bodily fluids such as semen, blood, or vaginal secretions.

Sexually transmitted diseases infection is mostly transferred via vaginal intercourse. But STD can also be transmitted through oral sex, anal sex, and from mother-to-baby during childbirth.

Sexually transmitted diseases are conveniently transferable from mother to child during pregnancy. This infectious contamination can result in low birth weight, and endanger the life of the child. Learn how easily sexually transmitted diseases are transferable during pregnancy.

Sexually transmitted diseases weaken the immune system, consequently, a person infected with one STD has a greater risk of acquiring other infections.

Sexually transmitted diseases are relates to cervical cancer in women. The human papillomavirus infection (HPV) causes genital warts and cervical cancer. Learn how easily sexually transmitted diseases are transferable during pregnancy.

Certain types of STD can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, and cause pelvis inflammatory disease (PID). This is the primary reason for infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy sometime results in death to the mother. Click here for more on HPV infection.

Sexually transmitted diseases are more common than HIV; but having a STD makes it far easier to contract HIV through body contact, especially if they are open soars on the skin. Click here to learn more about STD and HIV connection.

STD Infections

Bacteria, virus, parasites, and fungi cause STD infections. The transmission of these infections occurs primarily through sexual contact, even though some infections do spread by simply touching, or wearing someone's infected clothing.

The effects are not restricted to penal and vaginal areas, but can also involve palms, bottom of feet, scalp, and eyebrows. Bacterial infections are curable, but can become fatal if allowed to go untreated.

Viral infections, on the other hand, are not curable. The symptoms will subside, but the virus resides in the body for the rest of your life. Consequently, the infection will crop up from time to time.

Parasitic and fungal infections present less danger, but are none the less sexually transmitted diseases, and should be treated expeditiously. The infected areas of the skin undergo allergic reactions to bites of the parasites. While fungal infection is an overgrowth of a natural occurring fungus in the vagina that has been corrupted.

STD Symptoms

People with sexually transmitted diseases are often asymptomatic (manifest no symptoms) most of the time, and for this reason, frequent screening is recommended.

Too many people tend to believe, they don't need protection from STD, because there are no visible symptoms. How wrong can they be! Just ask my friend Charlie.

The health problems associated with sexually transmitted diseases are often more severe and more frequent in women than men. This is partly because of the frequency of asymptomatic infection in women. Therefore women tend to seek health care only when serious health problems occur.

If symptoms do develop, they can sometimes be confused with those of other diseases not related to sexually transmitted diseases. People with no symptoms, who are infected, can pass the disease to their sex partners.

Click here for list of STD symptoms.
See what std symptoms look like.

STD Treatment

CDC STD guidelines are based primarily on prevention and control, with its primary focus on treatment, as a means of controlling the spread of Sexually transmitted diseases.

Most sexually transmitted diseases can be treated with a regiment of antibiotics to eliminate the infection, and reduce the spread of the disease. So the sooner you seek treatment, and inform your sex partners about the disease, so that they can also seek treatment, the likelihood of the disease spreading to others would be drastically reduced.

The origin of STD is either bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal. Most types of STD are curable except those caused by virus. Although bacterial infections are curable, they can prove to be fatal if not treated within a reasonable timeframe.

Bacterial STD Infections

Bacterial STD infection passes from one person to another during oral, anal or vaginal intercourse. Areas infected are throat, anus, urethra and vagina.

Bacterial sexually transmitted diseases include gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and chancroid.

Following are the most common types of STD infections, and the STD treatments associated with them…

Gonorrhea

In men, this bacterial infection is recognized by discharge from the head of the penis or anus, accompanied with pain, itching at the head of the penis, and painful urination.Women will notice discharge from the vagina, unusual vaginal bleeding, painful urination, and occasionally experience lower abdominal pain during sex.

Gonorrhea infection in the throat may show no symptoms, except for a mere soar throat. Some symptoms may disappear after a few days without treatment, but the infection remains alive and kicking.

Chlamydia

It's the most common bacterial infection affecting both men and women taday. Chlamydia is contracted during vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can also spread by touching vaginal and penal fluids.

Symptoms include penal and vaginal pain, itching, discharge from anus or vagina, and painful urination.

Chlamydia is sometime referred to as the silent epidemic because most infected people show no symptoms.

Syphilis

Syphilis like gonorrhea is spread during vaginal, oral and anal sex. The disease goes through four stages…

Incubation stage… no symptoms may appear for more than 90 days.

Primary stage… Painless soars or ulcers usually appear on the penis, and around the vagina. Soars may also occur around the mouth, anus, or on the hands. Lymph nodes may enlarge about two weeks after the appearance of lesions.

Secondary stage… Symptoms appear about six weeks after primary lesions, primarily in the form of abrasion of the skin and mucous membrane. Eruptions of the skin in the form of reddish-brown copper tone spots, disfigure the skin for a week or two, and could possibly reoccur at a later date. Headaches, fever, and fatigue may be prevalent. Here is more information on bacterial STD.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis, once known as nonspecific vaginitis, is the primary cause of vaginal inflammation. Nonspecific vaginitis was the term used to describe any type of vaginitis in which no etiological agent could be identified. Today it is known that the majority of cases are caused by either Gardnerella vaginitis or Trichomonas vaginitis.

Bacterial Vaginosis is not always transmitted sexually. It has a lot to do with douching, using intrauterine devices for contraception, and fooling around with new sex partners. This behavior causes the dominant bacterial flora of the vagina to become corrupt, permitting the overrun of other bacteria such as Gardnerella Vaginalis and Trichomonas Vaginalis.

Symptoms include a gray-whitish vaginal discharge, which could be foamy or watery. There is also that fishy odor, accompanied with burning urination, and itching of the vulva Click here for more on bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial STD Treatment

Gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are curable with antibiotic injections, usually Penicillin to destroy the bacteria. But in recent years some strains of the bacteria has become resistant to Penicillin.

Hence new antibiotics or a combination of medications have emerged as the most effective treatment for bacterial infections, especially the case of gonorrhea.

Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with oral antibiotics such as Metronidazole or Flagyl®, or Clindamycin vaginal creams. If you are taking these medications do not drink alcohol. The combination of alcohol and these drugs can cause nausea and vomiting.

Bacterial vaginosis can spread upwards to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing more serious problems. So avoid having sex until the bacteria is controlled.

During treatment avoid having sex until you are completely cured. Persuade your sex partner(s) to be tested, and avoid sex for the duration of the treatment period. Bacterial STD can be avoided by using condoms.

Viral STD Infections

Viral infections pass from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact during intercourse. The virus lives on the skin of the vagina, penis, and anus.

Herpes, hepatitis, genital warts, and aids are cause by viruses.

Some Viral sexually transmitted diseases {aids, hepatitis B and C, human papilloma virus (HPV)} are link to cancer, making them fatal sexually transmitted diseases if left untreated.

Condoms will only lessen the risk of getting the lesions on the penis. But since the lesions can also be found around the areas of the vagina, penis or anus, touching alone can cause the warts to spread.

There is no cure for the virus, so you should check yourself regularly for warts. If warts appear on the skin, you should avoid sexual contact.

Genital Herpes

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the source of the herpes infection. There are two types of HSV infections… HSV-I gives rise to fever blisters or cold sores on the mouth, while HSV-II gives birth to sores on the genitals.

Herpes sores disappear after two to three weeks, but the virus remains in the body for life. The lesions will reoccur from time to time.

Herpes symptoms, tickly or itchy sensations, in the genital area may be a sign of an outbreak of sores or lesions. Click here to learn more about herpes.

Genital Warts

Genital warts, also known as condyloma, are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The virus is very easily transmitted during a sexual encounter, since it lives on the skin.

Warts may appear on the penis, around the vagina, on the cervix, and around the inside of the rectum. Genital warts first appear like small hard painless bumps. If untreated, they will grow into fleshy verrucas emitting offensive odor. Learn what to expect from genital warts. Learn what to expect from genital warts.

Viral STD Treatment

Genital herpes virus is treated with several existing antiviral drugs that are obtainable by prescription. These drugs will control the symptoms, but the virus stays with you for life. There is no cure for viral infections.

Best herpes treatments is a website filled with great information, tips and advice on medical, natural and herbal treatments for cold sores, oral and genital herpes. Find the best herpes treatments for you here.

Genital warts can be treated by several different methods: topical creams, burning, freezing, laser treatment or surgery. If the warts return, interferon injections should be the preferred treatment. Very large warts should be removed surgically. Click here for viral STD treatment.

Parasitic STD Infestation

The little vermins can spread by skin-to-skin contact. They can also spread by sharing clothing, towels and bed linen. They prefer to reside in the pubic area, but may also inhabit facial and armpit hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes.

Pubic lice, Scabies, and trichomonas, are categorized as parasitic diseases…

Pubic Lice

The primary symptom of pubic lice, often referred to as crabs, is itching. The itch occurs within four to five days after becoming infested. Itching is an allergic reaction to the bites of the parasites.

Scabies

Scabies are mites, which burrow under the skin. They can be found on any part of the body, but prefer moist folds in the genital area, and the webbing between the fingers and toes.

The primary symptom, itching, which occurs four weeks after exposure, is cause by allergic reaction to the bites.

Parasitic STD Treatment

Public lice are treated with topical medications such as Lindane, or orally with Ivermectin. Use a fine-tooth comb to remove the lice eggs from hair, and wash clothes, bedding and towels in hot water and disinfectant. To relieve itching, use an anti-itch cream.

Scabies are treated in the same manner as public lice. Use Lindane or Ivermectin medications to get rid of the mites. Wash all clothing, bedding and towels in hot water. Lindane is highly toxic and should not be use by pregnant women nor children under three years old.

Learn more about this STD symptoms and STD treatment for scabies.
Go here for STD symptoms and treatment info on pubic lice.

Fungi STD Infection

Yeast Infections

Yeast infection (candidiasis) is cause by the overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus.Candida albicans happens normally in the vagina. But its overgrowth of the vagina and vulva makes the fungus easier to spread; and sexual activity provides the medium.

Symptoms include thick white lumpy discharge with a yeast odor, pain, itching and swelling of the vulva, painful urination, and painful intercourse. Here is additional info on yeast infections.

Fungal STD Treatment

Yeast infection (candidiasis) is treated with anti-fungal creams, either topically or intravaginally. Monistat, Mycelex, and Diflucan are preferred medications. For persistent yeast infections, Nizoral is the medication of choice. Click here for more info on treatment for yeast infection.

STD Prevention

With the latest advancement in condom technology, the Latex Condom, use correctly, has proven to be the safest way to prevent Sexually transmitted diseases. Condom manufacturers have designed a variety of styles and features to meet the needs and pleasures of all users.

Lambskin condoms are too porous, hence useless against the STD infection. Polyurethane and other synthetic condoms make a good substitute for those who have latex allergies. Click to learn more about latex condoms and STD.

The best way to prevent STD is to avoid sexual contact. If you must make sexual contact, here are some things you should know…

* Always use a latex condom.

* Use clean needles to inject intravenous drugs.

* Have a monogamous (one partner) relationship.

* If you never had a sexual relationship, don't be anxious to do so.

Once you become sexually active, here are a few thing you should know to reduce risk of contracting, or transmitting STD…

* Learn the symptoms of STDS, and seek medical help if symptoms appear.

* See your doctor for regular checkups – symptoms or no symptoms.

* Avoid anal intercourse. Use a condom if you must.

* Avoid sexual intercourse during menstruation.

* No douching, since douching washes away protective bacteria from the vagina.

Positive STD Diagnosis

If you are diagnosed as having a sexually transmitted diseases, you should immediately…

* Seek treatment.

* Inform ALL sex partners, and advise them to seek treatment.

* Avoid ALL sexual activity.

* Complete the full course of prescribed medication.

Gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, chancroid, herpes, hepatitis, genital warts are more common that HIV. But there are, without any doubt, sexually transmitted diseases that would increase the risk of the transmission of HIV.

You should learn the basics about sexually transmitted diseases, and the use of condoms to minimize the risk of getting and spreading these diseases to others. Knowledge, honesty, and openness with sex partners, health care providers, can go a long way to prevent the incidence and complications of sexually transmitted diseases. Learn proper condom use to prevent transmission of STD.

If you have any questions about sexually transmitted diseases, you can call the CDC National STD Hotline toll-free number 1-800-227-8922.

Proper Condom Use
Using them correctly and consistently makes condoms the most effective means of, protection against sexually transmitted diseases, contraception against accidental pregnancies, bar abstinence.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

1. GONORRHEA

Gonorrhea Gonococcal Infection (clap, drip)

Gonorrhea is:

• an infection that is spread through sexual contact with another person

• caused by a bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae

• second only to Chlamydial infections in the number of reported cases.

The Gonorrhea germs are found in the mucous areas of the body:

• Genital tract

• Penis

• Rectum

• Throat

• Vagina

In women

• The opening (cervix) to the womb (uterus) from the birth canal is the first place of infection

• The disease can spread into the womb and fallopian tubes, resulting in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which can cause infertility in up to 10% of infected women and tubal (ectopic) pregnancy

Risk Groups

• Any person who is sexually active can be infected with Gonorrhea

• Common among younger people, ages 15-30, who have multiple sex partners

• Increases in Gonorrhea have been found among men who have sex with men

• Occurs more frequently in urban areas than in rural areas

It is the most common reportable sexually transmitted infection in the United States, with an estimated 800,000 cases of Gonorrhea reported annually

Transmission of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is spread

Through sexual contact including:

• penis to vagina (infection rate for males 30-50%, females 60-90%)

• penis to mouth,

• penis to rectum

• mouth to vagina

From mother to child as the child passes through the birth canal during delivery causing:

• eye infections

In children, usually due to sexual abuse it is found in the:

• genital tract

• mouth

• rectum

Other Risk Factors

• An infected person can spread the infection to another area of their body by touching the infected area and transferring the excretions

• Clothing or wash cloths of infected people can spread the infection

---

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

In Men:

• Creamy or green, pus-like discharge from the penis

• Painful urination (burning sensation)

• Testicular pain

In Women:

• Bleeding between periods

• Creamy or green, pus-like or bloody vaginal discharge

• Excessive bleeding during menstrual period

• Irritation of the vulva

• Lower abdominal pain

• Painful intercourse

• Painful urination (burning sensation)

• Rectal infection

• Throat infection

Rectal infection:

• Constipation

• Creamy, pus-like discharge

• Itching

• Painful bowel movement with blood in feces

• Rectal bleeding

Symptoms usually appear 2-7 days after infection in males, but it can sometimes take up to 30 days for symptoms to appear.

Often there are no symptoms at all in:

• 10-15 % of men

• 80% of women

People with no symptoms are at risk of developing complications from Gonorrhea and can unknowingly spread the infection.

From the time of infection gonorrhea can be spread and will continue to be spread until properly treated.

Past infection does not make a person immune to gonorrhea and previous infections with Gonorrhea may allow complications to occur more rapidly and increase your risk of getting HIV.

Long term complications

In Men

Epididymitis

• an inflammation of the testicles that can cause sterility

In Women

Abscesses

Ectopic pregnancy

• a pregnancy outside of the uterus

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

• an ascending infection that spreads from the vagina and cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes, which can lead to sterility

Perihepatitis

• an infection around the liver

Sterility

In newborns

Gonorrhea can be transmitted to newborns

2. BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

When different types of bacteria outnumber the normal bacteria, Lactobacillus, an imbalance is caused in the bacterial organisms that exist in the vagina.

Instead of Lactobacillus bacteria being the most numerous, increased numbers of other organisms are found in the vaginas of women with Bacterial vaginosis (BV) such as:

• Bacteroides

• Gardnerella vaginalis

• Mobiluncus

• Mycoplasma hominis

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is also called:

• Gardnerella-associated vaginitis

• nonspecific vaginitis

It is one of the most common causes of vaginitis symptoms among women, particularly those who are sexually active, producing painful inflammation of the vagina.

---

Symptoms

Although more than 50% of women with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) have no symptoms, when symptoms do occur they include:

• excessive, thin gray or white vaginal discharge that sticks to the vaginal walls
• fishy or musty, unpleasant vaginal odor, most noticeable after sex
• vaginal itching and irritation

Transmission

The risk of acquiring Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is increased by:

• changing sexual partners
• douching
• using intrauterine devices (IUDs)

The infection can not be spread from person to person by casual contact, such as:

• clothing
• door knobs
• eating utensils
• swimming pools
• toilet seats

---

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by:

Physical Examination

• observation made with the naked eye and nose
• undergoing a pelvic examination

Laboratory Tests

A sample of the vaginal discharge is obtained and viewed under the microscope, either stained or in special lighting, to determine:

• Absence of lactobacilli
• Change in pH of vaginal fluid
• Decreased acidity
• If the vaginal cells have the classic appearance of 'clue cells', cells from the vaginal lining that are coated with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) organisms, which appear in Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
• The presence of Gardnerella bacteria to confirm by microscopic examination

As an added confirmation

• The sample is mixed with potassium hydroxide and produces a strong fishy odor when the bacteria is present

---

Treatment

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) can be difficult to cure using either conventional or alternative treatments.

Conventional Treatment

Although it is uncertain if Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is sexually transmitted treatment of all sexual partners is essential to prevent re-infection

The usual treatment is antibiotics, taken orally or vaginally, including:

• Ampicillin
• Ceftriaxone
• Clindamycin,
• Metronidazole
• Tetracycline

Naturopathic Treatment

• Abstaining from sexual activity while the bacterial imbalance/infection is healing
• Direct applications of local, anti-microbial products
• Support the immune system and its ability to fight the infection and balance the vaginal system

Dietary Recommendations

Include in your diet:

• flax seed (Linseed) meal and oil
• fresh vegetables and fruits
• grains
• meats, including fish, poultry
• plenty of fresh water

Use foods that have been raised without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides wherever possible.

Avoid:

• alcohol
• coffee
• fast foods
• processed foods
• refined flour products (bread, pasta, etc.)
• saturated fats from animal products
• sugar

Nutritional Supplements

• Vitamin C (1,000 mg three times daily with meals)
• Zinc (30 mg daily)

Proteolytic enzymes have been shown to increase effectiveness of the medication.

These include:

• Bromelain (400mg)
• Wobenzme N (5 tablets three times a day away from meals)

Herbal Therapeutics

• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) vaginal suppositories
• Goldenseal/Vitamin A vaginal suppository twice daily

Homeopathic Therapeutics

• Aspergillus
• Candida
• Notatum

Other Treatments

• Warm sitz baths with tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Vaginal douching using:

• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
• Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aqjuifolium)

Prevention

Although it is uncertain if the infection is sexually transmitted, sexually active women appear to suffer from the infection more than other women

Help Factors

• Abstain from sex until the infection is cured and all symptoms have ceased
• Inform any sex partners so treatment may be undertaken
• Limit sexual relationships to a single, uninfected partner
• Regular use of condoms may offer protection against the infection

---

Prognosis

Complications

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is thought to be associated with:

• ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
• infertility (unable to have children)
• low birth weight in infants born to infected mothers
• pelvic infections
• premature birth in infants born to infected mothers

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) increases the risk of acquiring:

• gonorrhea
• HIV infection
• other STDS

3. PUBIC LICE (CRABS)

History

The most common parasites that infect humans are lice (Pediculosis pubis or pubic lice) and mites (Scabies). Pediculosis pubis, commonly named 'crab lice' or 'crabs' occurs worldwide and dates back to the writings of the ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle.

Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis, or the crab louse) infests areas of the body where hair grows, especially the groin, and are most common in adolescents and young adults. It has been of epidemic proportions across all age and socio-economic class groups since the 1960s.

An estimated 3 million people with new cases of the infestation are treated each year in the United States.

The most common areas affected are:

• abdomen
• anus
• groin

Cycle

• An adult louse gets onto the skin and lays eggs
• Eggs hatch 6-10 days later releasing baby lice, called nymphs
• They attach their eggs, called nits, to the host's pubic hair
• Within 15 days these grow into adults and multiply again
• Nymphs and adult lice feed on human blood

Other Facts

• A louse lives for about 6 weeks but dies within 24 hours without a blood meal
• Female lice lay 2-3 eggs daily which are fastened to shafts of body hair which hatch into nits within a week
• The lice attach to hair, appear as tiny white/gray specks, are highly mobile and can crawl several inches in a day

---

Symptoms

• Feeling run down
• Inflamed skin and small red or bluish irritations caused by 'crab' lice bites and defecation
• Intense itchiness at the infected area, usually more intense at night (begins about 5 days after infestation)
• Irritability
• Mild fever

Public lice can also infect:

• eyebrows
• eyelashes
• hair
• underarm hair

---

Transmission

These parasites are transmitted by:

• an infected parent to children through close contact

• intimate contact

• sexual contact

Contact with contaminated items, such as:

• bedding

• clothing

• toilet seats

• towels

• upholstered furniture

Persons engaging in oral sex can be infected in the hair of the:

• chest

• eyebrows

• eyelashes

• face

• scalp

Risk Factors

• Avoid close contact with others if you have scabies or pubic lice
• Some people do not itch so do not know they are infested

---

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made with the naked eye, a magnifying glass, or under a microscope, from observation of the shape of the louse and/or eggs.

Pubic lice:

• look like tiny pale gray crabs
• darken in color when swollen with blood
• display six legs, four of which are crab-like claws used to grasp the hair of the host

If you think you have been exposed to pubic lice or scabies see your doctor or health practitioner immediately to determine whether or not treatment is required.

4. SYPHILIS
FEMALE INFECTION

MALE INFECTION

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium (Treponema pallidum). The initial infection causes an ulcer at the site of infection.

Syphilis, once virtually untreatable, can nowadays be effectively diagnosed and treated with antibiotic therapy.

Early symptoms of syphilis are often very mild, and treatment is often not sought when first infected. Syphilis increases the risk of transmitting and receiving the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Over time, the bacteria moves throughout the body, causing damage to many organs.

Rash caused by Syphilis

The disease is divided into four stages:

• Primary

• Secondary

• Latent

• Tertiary (late)

An untreated infected person may infect others during the first 2 stages (1-2 years).

Even though untreated syphilis is not contagious in the late stage serious complications can occur:

• blindness

• mental disorders

• neurological problems

• serious heart abnormalities

• death

In the fight against the spread of syphilis research is being carried out to find a vaccine and to study the effects the various surface components of the syphilis bacterium have on the immune system.

The genome of the bacterium has now been sequenced which will be invaluable in diagnosing, treating and vaccinating against syphilis.

Back to the Top

---

Transmission

In an infected person the bacterium spreads from the initial ulcer to the skin or mucous membranes of:

• the anus of a sexual partner

• the genital area

• the mouth

The bacterium can pass through broken skin on parts of the body.

The syphilis bacterium is very fragile and infection is usually spread by

• an infected pregnant woman who can pass the bacterium to her unborn baby, which can result in the child being born with serious mental and physical problems

• sexual contact

Back to the Top

---

Symptoms

Primary syphilis

First stage

• An ulcer (a chancre ["shan-ker"]) appears within 10 days to 3 months after exposure, but usually within 2-6 weeks

• The chancre may be painless and can remain undetected inside the body, so may go unnoticed

The chancre usually appears on the part of the body exposed to the partner’s ulcer, such as:

• the anus

• the cervix

• the lips

• the penis

• the tongue

• the vagina

• the vulva

• other parts of the body

These usually disappear within a few weeks whether treated or not. If left untreated during the primary stage, about one-third will continue on to chronic stages.

Secondary syphilis

The most common symptoms include:

• a rash of flat, red lesions over the whole body (including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet)

• fever

• swollen glands

• broad-based papules (lumps or warts) in warm, moist sites

• mucous patches or snail-track ulcers in the mouth, appearing from 3-6 weeks after the chancre develops

Active bacteria are present in the sores, so physical contact (sexual or nonsexual) with the broken skin of an infected person is not recommended as transmission of the disease is possible.

After several weeks or months the rash seems to heal itself.

Other symptoms such as:

• fatigue

• headache

• mild fever

• patchy hair loss

• sore throat

• swollen lymph glands throughout the body

also may occur but will usually disappear without treatment.

The secondary stage of secondary syphilis appears 2-4 months after infection, lasting several weeks and often recurring in the following 2 years and can come and go over the next1-2 years.

Latent stage syphilis

A stage of infection caused by T. pallidum in which organisms persist in the infected person's body without causing symptoms or signs.

Latent syphilis is subdivided into:

Early

• initial infection occurring within the previous 12 months

Late

• initial infection has occurred greater than 1 year previously)

Unknown categories

• based on the duration of infection

• no evidence of having acquired the disease within the preceding 12 months

Tertiary (Late) syphilis

A minority (up to 30%) of individuals with untreated syphilis may develop tertiary syphilis with lesions many years after the initial infection.

The lesions can be benign, causing no serious disability, or they may involve the:

• brain

• eyes

• nervous system

• joints

• spinal cord (neurosyphilis)

as well as

heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular syphilis), producing severe complications resulting in :

• blindness

• heart disease

• mental illness

• other neurological problems

• death

Some syphilis cases (especially latent or late stages), need to have a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for infection of the nervous system.

Other clinical signs of syphilis (late) include:

Inflammatory lesions of the:

• bones

• cardiovascular system

• skin

Occasionally other areas of the body may be affected such as:

• abdominal organs

• eyes

• lymph nodes

• mouth

• reproductive organs

• upper and lower respiratory tracts

Late syphilis usually becomes apparent after 15-30 years of untreated infection.

Neuro-syphilis

The bacteria often invades the central nervous system during the early stages of infection. Approximately 3-7% of persons with untreated syphilis develop neuro-syphilis.

Some people never develop any symptoms, some experience headache, stiff neck, and fever, resulting from inflammation of the lining of the brain and others develop seizures.

Blood vessels affected by the bacteria can result in symptoms similar to a stroke:

• numbness

• visual complaints

• weakness

It has been known to take up to 20 years to develop neuro-syphilis. Neuro-syphilis is difficult to treat especially for those with HIV infection. Elevated CSF protein or leukocyte count in the absence of other known causes of these abnormalities may occur.

The widespread use of antibiotics makes modern-day syphilis harder to detect as there may be no genital symptoms, or any symptoms of secondary syphilis.

Effects of Syphilis in Pregnant Women

An untreated pregnant woman with active syphilis will pass the infection to her unborn child:

• about 25% will have stillbirth or neonatal death

• 40-70% will have syphilis-infected babies

Hepatitis screening should be done as well. A fetal death taking place after a 20-week gestation or if the fetus weighs more than 500gms with an untreated mother at delivery is classified as a syphilitic stillbirth.

Babies with congenital syphilis can have symptoms at birth, but symptoms can develop two weeks to three months later, including:

• anemia

• fever

• rashes

• skin sores*

• swollen liver and spleen

• various deformities

• weak/hoarse crying sounds

• yellowish skin (jaundice)

*The moist sores of congenital syphilis are infectious.

When infected infants become older children and teenagers, late-stage syphilis symptoms may occur, including damage to:

• bones

• brain

• eyes

• ears

• teeth

The rise in infant syphilis morbidity (death) has become a public health concern that warrants attention.

Back to the Top

---

Diagnosis

Because its early symptoms are similar to many other conditions people who are sexually active should consult a doctor about any unusual rash or sore in the genital area.

Three methods may be used in diagnosis of syphilis:

• Blood tests

• Microscopic identification of syphilis bacteria

• Recognition of the signs and symptoms during normal medical consultation

Bacteria Identification

A surface scraping from the ulcer or chancre is taken and examined under a special 'darkfield' microscope to detect the organism itself.

Accurate clinical diagnosis in the newborn is possible only with positive 'darkfield' findings from skin lesions or placenta, or congenital syphilis classical signs seen on examination.

Cord blood should not be used for infant serologic testing because the high incidence of false positives and false negatives is high.

Blood Tests

Evidence of infection is given. False-negative results which do not show signs of infection despite its presence can appear for up to 3 months after infection. False-positive tests also occur, therefore, two blood tests are normally used.

t is sometimes difficult to interpret blood tests for syphilis so repeated tests are often necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

The blood-screening tests most often used are:

• RPR (rapid plasma reagin) test

• VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test

False-positive results showing signs of infection when it is not present occur in people with:

• autoimmune disorders

• certain viral infections

• other condition

A confirmatory blood test is carried out when the initial test is positive, such as:

• The fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption (FTA-ABS) test (70-90% accuracy)

• T. pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) test

Syphilis antibodies (proteins made by a person's immune system to fight infection) can be detected. These antibodies do not protect against syphilis infection in a previously infected person because once antibodies are formed, they remain in the body for many years.

It is hoped that a diagnostic test that does not require a blood sample can be produced. Tests are being carried out on saliva and urine to see if they produce comparable results to blood.