Description A contagious, sexua...
Description
A contagious, sexually-transmitted infection caused by the bacteria, Treponema pallidum. Doctors define the infection according to one of three stages. The first stage, primary syphilis, infects the genitalia. It classically causes a painless sore and may not be noticed by the individual. The secondary stage causes fever, rash, and joint pain. The tertiary stage may cause severe brain and heart injury. The damage may not be reversible, despite adequate antibiotic therapy.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the stage of the disease. Primary syphilis: asymptomatic, painless sores, swollen lymph nodes. Secondary syphilis: fever, fatigue, muscle aches, rash, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite. Tertiary syphilis: confusion, incoordination, heart valve that leaks, aortic aneurysms.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests done to establish the diagnosis include: 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 done to establish the diagnosis include: 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
Penicillin is the treatment of choice. Depending on the stage of disease, it is given as a shot in the muscle or intravenously. Alternative antibiotics, such as doxycycline and tetracycline, are available for people allergic to penicillin.