Yaws is an infectious disease that occurs in the tropics. It is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. This is the same bacteria that causes syphilis but yaws is caused by a slightly different version of the bacteria and is not sexually transmitted. The disease affects the skin and bones and occurs in three stages. The last stage is the most severe and results in significant facial disfiguration. However, only ten percent of cases progress to this stage. The number of cases of the disease has decreased dramatically since the 1950's.
Description
Yaws is an infectious disease that occurs in the tropics. It is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. This is the same bacteria that causes syphilis but yaws is caused by a slightly different version of the bacteria and is not sexually transmitted. The disease affects the skin and bones and occurs in three stages. The last stage is the most severe and results in significant facial disfiguration. However, only ten percent of cases progress to this stage. The number of cases of the disease has decreased dramatically since the 1950's.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the first stage, a single raspberry rash (mother yaw) occurs in the legs or buttocks. The rash can be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes. In the second stage, a brown crusting rash develops on the face, arms, legs and buttocks. Other symptoms in this stage include painful sores on the bottom of the foot as well as bone and joint pain. In the third stage, the disease can progress to significant facial disfiguration.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests will most likely be performed to look for evidence of the bacteria Treponema pallidum. A tissue biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Other Specific Tests: Reactive plasma reagin (RPR), VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory test), EIA test for treponema pallidum, tissue biopsy
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests will most likely be performed to look for evidence of the bacteria Treponema pallidum. A tissue biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Other Specific Tests: Reactive plasma reagin (RPR), VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory test), EIA test for treponema pallidum, tissue biopsy
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
Treatment of yaws requires the use of antibiotics. Penicillin is the main antibiotic and tetracycline is used in penicillin allergic patients.