SYPHILIS : CAUSES , PREVENTION , RISK FACTORS
SYPHILIS
Syphilis is a chronic bacterial infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact . Syphilis is caused by a type of bacteria known as Treponema pallidu . Syphilis can be challenging to diagnose . Someone can have it without showing any symptoms for years . Syphilis that remains untreated for a long time can cause major damage to important organs , such as heart and the brain .
The symptoms and causes of syphilis can help you protect yourself . Syphilis , understanding this infection can help you recognize signs of the conditions and prevent transmission .
CAUSES OF SYPHILIS :
Syphilis is caused by a bacterial infection . The bacterial infection has minimal to no symptoms . The infection progresses to affect multiple systems in your body, which can have severe effects .
RISK OF SYPHILIS :
STAGES OF SYPHILIS INFECTION
The four stages of syphilis are :
- Primary
- Secondary
- Latent
- Tertiary
Syphilis is most infectious during the first 2 stages .
1. PRIMARY SYPHILIS - The primary stage of syphilis occurs about 3 to 4 weeks after a person contracts the bacteria. it begins with a small , round sore called a chancre. This sore may appear wherever the bacteria entered the body , such as on or inside the mouth , genitals , or rectum . Syphilis is transmitted by direct contact with a sore . this usually occurs during sexual activity , including oral sex .
2. SECONDARY SYPHILIS -Skin rashes and a sore throat may develop during the second stages of syphilis . the rash itch and is usually found on the palms and soles but it may occur anywhere on the body . some people notice the rash before it goes away . Other symptoms of secondary syphilis may include :
- headaches
- swollen lymph nodes
- fatique
- fever
- weightloss
- hair loss
- aching joints
3. LATENT SYPHILIS - The third stage of syphilis is the latent , or hidden , stages . the primary and secondary symptoms disappear . The bacteria remain in the body . This stages could last for years before progressing to tertiary syphilis .
4. TERTIARY SYPHILIS - The last stages of infection is tertiary syphilis . Tertiary syphilis can occur years or decades after the initial infection . some other potential outcomes of tertiary syphilis include :
- blindness
- loss of hearing
- mental health conditions
- destruction of soft tissues and bone
- heart disease
- an infection of the brain or spinal cord
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