Syhillis

5 Pages 1273 Words

Syphilis Syphilis, a complex, sexually transmitted disease (STD) with a highly variable clinical course. Its initial stage is characterized by highly infectious open sores at the site of infection. OrganismTreponema pallidum is a bacterium. Occurrence In the United States, more than 68,000 cases of syphilis in adults and more than 1,500 cases of congenital syphilis in newborns were detected by public health officials in 1995. More cases occur each year than come to the attention of health officials. The eight states with the highest syphilis rates in 1995 were located in the Southern region of the U.S. These states had rates that were 2 - 12 times higher than the overall national rate. In 1995, 84% of the U.S. counties with the highest syphilis rates were located in Southern states. Transmission The syphilis bacterium is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores mainly occur on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or rectum. Sores can also occur on the lips and in the mouth. Transmission of the organism occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Pregnant women with the disease can pass it to the babies they are carrying. Syphilis cannot be spread by toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bath tubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils. Incubation The time between picking up the bacterium and the start of the first symptom can range from 10-90 days (average 21 days). Symptoms in Adults The first stage of syphilis is marked by the appearance of a single sore (called a chancre). The chancre is usually firm, round, small, and painless. It appears at the spot where the bacterium entered the body. The chancre lasts 1-5 weeks and heals on its own. The second stage starts when one or more areas of the skin break into a rash that usually does not itch. Rashes can appear as the chancre is fading or can be delayed up to 10 weeks. The rash often appears as rough, "copper penny" spots on the palm...