Syphilis
Introduction.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease with an exclusively human
reservoir. It is caused by the spirochaete Treponema pallidum. If
untreated, this bacterial infection has serious consequences such as dementia
and blindness. Famous people with syphilis
Summary
- Cause: Treponema pallidum
- Microscopy: Gram-negative spiral 5 - 15 um long
- Transmission: STD
- Symptoms: 3 stages of syphilis
- Primary: Chancre at site of infection (painless, heals in 2 months) +
local lymph swelling
- Secondary: Flu-like with a generalized rash on all body surfaces
- Tertiary/Late: Granulomatous lesions (gummas) and chronic inflammation
in virtually any body organ, incl. brain (neurosyphilis)
- Complications: Congenital syphilis; dementia
- Pathogenesis: Spirochaetes cause inflammation, damage arteries
(rash). Lesions occur at sites of bacterial multiplication.
- Treatment: Penicillin; no vaccines available
Other infections caused by Treponema
Yaws:
- Treponema pertenue
- Direct skin contact transmission
- Early stage skin lesions - granulomas
Bejel:
- Treponema endemicum
- Transmission via contaminated eating utensils
- Oral lesions, late stage gummas in bone, skin, nasopharynx
Pinta:
- Treponema carateum
- Direct contact transmission
- Skin lesions, scarring