The number of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are on the rise in several parts of the world. In the US particularly, syphilis, an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidum, has been wreaking havoc for the past few years. Preliminary reports from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published September 2023 reveal syphilis cases have increased by 26% from 2020-2021. Furthermore, congenital syphilis, which is passed on from the mother to the foetus in the womb, is the most tragic outcome of the overall syphilis epidemic, with a 464% increase in cases since 2001.
The good news is there are treatments. However, due to lack of awareness around their condition, many do not receive the required treatment and this goes on to have worse consequences. We at OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Anusree Gangopadhyay, Consultant Dermatologist, Fortis Anandapur, Kolkata, to understand everything around syphilis and how it can be prevented.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About STI And It’s Prevention, Doctor Elucidates
Syphilis Transmission
There are many ways syphilis can spread. The most common ones being through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) with infectious lesions, via blood transfusion, or from a pregnant woman to her foetus, also known as congenital syphilis, says Dr Gangopadhyay.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 70 lakh adults between 15 and 49 years old acquired syphilis in 2020.
The global health body also suggests that syphilis in pregnancy, when not treated, treated late or treated with the incorrect antibiotic, results in 50−80% of cases with adverse birth outcomes.
Stages Of Syphilis And Symptoms To Note
As per the CDC, there are four stages of syphilis and each stage has different signs and symptoms. These include:
Primary syphilis
This stage starts with the appearance of a painless sore or ulcer called ‘chancre’ at the site of infection, often in the genital, anal, or mouth areas. The chancre lasts 3-6 weeks and can easily be treated and cured with medicine.
Secondary syphilis
If left untreated, syphilis can progress to the secondary stage, which involves a wide range of symptoms, including skin rashes, mucous membrane lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms reoccur over weeks or months.
Latent syphilis
The third stage is the latent or the hidden phase where there are no noticeable symptoms. This stage can last for years, and the infection remains in the body.
Tertiary syphilis
In some cases, syphilis can progress to tertiary syphilis, which can be life-threatening. It may affect the heart, brain, nerves, and other organs, leading to serious health complications.
Also Read: Healthy Practices To Curb The Spread Of STIs
Is It Curable?
Syphilis is curable. In fact, it is one of four curable STIs according to the WHO. Others include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis.
Dr Gangopadhyay says, “It can be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, treatment is most successful in the early stages of the infection.”
“It's crucial to get tested and seek medical care if you suspect you have syphilis or have been exposed to it to prevent complications and further transmission,” she adds.
Treatment And Prevention
It is important to remember that early syphilis can be cured with an injection of long-acting Benzathine Penicillin G. This comprises latent, primary, and secondary syphilis, explains the doctor.
Treatment will cure the infection and stop further harm; it cannot reverse any harm that has already occurred, she mentions, adding, “The right penicillin preparation must be used to effectively treat and cure syphilis.”
But rather than scavenging for a cure, why not prevent the condition in the first place. The doctor says awareness plays a crucial role in maintaining sexual health and preventing STIs.
“Regular STI testing, having open discussions with partners regarding sexual health and consistently practising safe sex methods (like using condoms) are key measures for lowering the chances of contracting syphilis and other STIs,” she concludes.