Description A contagious, sexua...
Description
A contagious, sexually-transmitted disease caused by the bacteria, Treponema pallidum. The disorder occurs in three stages with each stage more severe. The first stage, primary syphilis, causes a painless sore that is usually in the genital area. The second stage ("secondary syphilis") causes fever, rash, and joint pain. Advanced syphilis ("tertiary syphilis") causes brain or heart or blood vessel injury and can result in irreversible damage.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the stage of the disease. Primary syphilis: asymptomatic, painless sores, swollen lymph nodes. Secondary syphilis: fever, fatigue, aches, rash, joint pain, loss of appetite. Tertiary syphilis: confusion, incoordination, heart valve failure, aortic aneurysms.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests are done to establish the diagnosis: VDRL, RPR and FTA-ABS.
Other Specific Tests: VDRL, RPR, FTA-ABS.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests are done to establish the diagnosis: VDRL, RPR and FTA-ABS.
Other Specific Tests: VDRL, RPR, FTA-ABS.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
Therapy depends on the severity of the disease. Antibiotics are prescribed and they include: penicillin, tetracycline, or doxycycline.