Essay On Syphilis

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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. Syphilis exists in two forms: Acquired and congenital.[1] There are three stages of acquired syphilis; primary, secondary and tertiary.
Congenital syphilis: Syphilis may also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her foetus, but this is rare as pregnant women are screened and treated if they test positive, this also treats the foetus.[1]
Acquired Syphilis: Patient infected through coitus with an infected individual. Organism invades the mucous membranes of the patient or through small lacerations. Incubation period is between 18 and 28 days.[1]
• Primary:
A primary lesion called a chancre develops at the site of infection, usually the external genitalia or internally on the vaginal or cervical surfaces. The chancre starts as a pink macule which becomes papular, and ulcerates. [2] Patient may have enlarged non-tender inguinal lymph nodes. Without treatment the chancre will heal spontaneously in 2-6 weeks, leaving an atrophic scar.
• Secondary:
Secondary syphilis may develop 6-8 weeks after the chancre. During this stage various lesions occur on the skin and mucous membranes. [2] Lesions have a macular appearance then become maculopapular and finally papular. [2] Syphilis is a systemic disease, therefore patient may develop symptoms such as fever, malaise, headache, weight loss, anaemia.
Chondylomata lata develops on the vulva or perianal area as well as generalised non-tender lymphadenopathy. A chondylomata lata (flat, wart-like growth) is a wet papule that is highly contagious and appears in the moist and hot areas of the body. [2]
• Tertiary syphilis
If the disease remains untreated, tertiary syphilis may develop 3-10 years after the primary infection....

... middle of paper ...

... HIV.
Management:
HIV cannot be cured Aims of HIV treatment: To reduce the viral load to an undetectable level, improve the CD4 count, improve the quality of life and reduce transmission.[1]
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is used to treat HIV, this includes a combination of anti-retroviral drugs to be taken as life-long treatment.[1]
Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases:
• Educating patients and communities about sexually transmitted infections
• Abstinence
• Remaining with one uninfected sexual partner
• Using latex condoms during intercourse
• Vaccinations against HPV and Hepatitis B
It is important to test a patient who has one sexually transmitted infection for other sexually transmitted infections. It is also important to counsel them on the importance of having their partner or partners tested for sexually transmitted infections as well.

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