Syphilis Research Paper

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Syphilis is an STI, or sexually transmitted infection, that is transmitted by direct contact with a "syphilitic sore" via skin and mucous membranes like the vagina, anus, rectum, lips, and mouth. It is most commonly contracted via oral, anal or vaginal sexual activities. It can sometimes be spread or caught through kissing though that is a fairly rare occurrence. Things like sharing toilets, clothing or eating utensils do not spread syphilis.
Though Syphilis can also be spread from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, this is referred to as congenital syphilis. Syphilis can lead to stillbirth or a low weight baby during pregnancy, and if left untreated a baby with syphilis can develop cataracts, deafness, or seizures and possibly death. Those who are most at risk for contracting syphilis are people who partake in unprotected sex, whether anally, …show more content…

Unfortunately in the presence of a syphilitic sore, there is an increased chance of contracting HIV. The average time between infection with syphilis and the start of the first symptom is 21 days but can range from 10 to 90 days.
In Minnesota, according to a 2013 report, "the overall incidence rate of primary/secondary syphilis increased from 2.2 to 3.6 cases per 100,000 persons. The number of cases among males increased from 111 in 2012 to 178 in 2013 while among females, the number increased from 7 to 12. Increases in cases were observed across all geographic areas; however the City of Minneapolis remains to account for the majority of cases (52%). "
Syphilis has been called "The Great Pretender" because its symptoms can look like many other diseases. But syphilis typically follows a progression of stages that can last weeks, months, or years. This follows the format of three main stages, the primary stage, the secondary stage, and the latent or late

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