Syphilis
James Artuso
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a STD that is caused by a bacteria known as a spirochete.
Transmission
- Direct contact with a syphilis sore during sexual intercourse
- Passed from mother to baby during pregnancy
Signs and Symptoms
Primary
- Red, firm, sometimes wet sores called Chancre(Shang-ker)
Secondary
- Rash on soles of feet and palms of hands
- Flu like symptoms
Latent
- No symptoms, but the disease is still inside the body
Tertiary
- Spirochetes spread all over the body
- numbness
- Difficulty walking
- gradual blindness
- Death
Treatment
Early stages can be treated with antibiotics.
Even in late stages it is important to get treatment to prevent any other damage to the body.
Problems
- Death
- Numbness
- Difficulty walking
- Gradual Blindness
- Brain damage
Prevention
- Abstinence
- Use of protection (Latex Condoms)
- Have few partners