Syphilis

• Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum.
• It is easily treated with antibiotics. 
• It is very serious if it is not treated.

There are different stages of syphilis, depending on how long the infection has gone untreated.

• Syphilis can cause sores and rashes. 
• These symptoms may look like other diseases, so it is important to get tested.
• In some cases, the symptoms may be mild and easily ignored. These symptoms should still be checked out by a doctor or nurse. Symptoms eventually disappear without treatment, but the infection still remains quietly in the body.
• Symptoms depend on how long someone has had the infection, or the “stage”:

1. Primary syphilis (3 – 90 days)

• The infection begins as one open sore called a chancre
• The chancre will appear between 3 days - 90 days after contact with an infected person
• The chancre shows up where the infection was transmitted
• This can be on the genitalia, inside the vagina or anus, or inside the mouth
• It is painless 
• It usually has a red outline
• It is about 2 – 3cm wide
• The chancre heals on its own within 3 weeks
• The infection is most contagious at this stage

2. Secondary syphilis (3 - 6 months)

• A skin rash will show up several weeks after the primary chancre sore
• The rash is usually painless and not itchy 
• It can show up on the chest, arms, palms of the hands, or soles of the feet
• The rash will heal on its own within 3 – 12 weeks
• Genital warts are also possible
• The infection is still contagious

3. Early latent syphilis (6 – 12 months)

• No symptoms
• The only way to detect syphilis at this stage is through a screening test
• The infection is still contagious

4. Late latent syphilis (Over 1 year)

• No visible symptoms
• The infection is no longer infectious and cannot be passed on to others

5. Tertiary syphilis (5 – 30 years)

• The infection gradually attacks the cardiovascular system (cardiosyphilis), joints and bones (syphilitic gum), and brain (neurosyphilis) 

If let untreated, syphilis can cause: 

 

• blindness
• heart damage
• death
• neurosyphilis which affects walking, balance, mood, and memory
• stillbirth 
• deformities and disorders in babies born from a mother who has syphilis
  
   

• Detecting syphilis early is important for preventing complications and spreading it to others.
• If you find any open sores, genital warts, or a new body rash, do not wait to get checked.
• Book an appointment at the CMC for a screening test.

Syphilis is most often transmitted through sexual contact.

• Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of syphilis.
• It can also be passed through skin to skin contact with the chancre sore or rash.

Syphilis can also spread from an infected mother to her unborn baby during pregnancy.

• This is called congenital syphilis.
• If a mother is not treated during pregnancy:
  • The baby can develop severe physical and cerebral problems that will affect them for life.
  • Many of these pregnancies will end up as stillbirths (40%).
• This is why testing is recommended throughout pregnancy in Eeyou Istchee so that any cases of syphilis can be caught early on.

People at greater risk of getting syphilis:

 

• People who have multiple sexual partners per year
• People who have had an anonymous partner
• Men who have sex with men
• Sex workers and their clients (including those who exchange sexual favors for goods and/or favors)

• Early and regular screening
  • Everybody who is sexually active should get tested at least once in their life. 
  • If you tested positive for another STI, you will also be offered a test for syphilis. 
• Condoms or latex barriers
  • The chancre sore needs to be fully covered for condoms or barriers to prevent transmission from an infected person to their sexual partner.
    
     

If someone tests positive for syphilis:

 

• They will need to treat their infection fully (no sore or rash) before sexual activity with other people.
• They will be tested 3, 6, and 12 months after their treatment to make sure they are cured
• More testing may be recommended for people at high risk.
• Reinfection is possible if you are exposed to syphilis again.
  
   

Screening for syphilis is done by a blood test.

• Syphilis does not disappear without treatment. Even if there are no symptoms, the infection is not over.
• Treatment for syphilis is given by injection.
• The number of doses depends on the stage. 
• Treatment is very effective.
• The infection will still be contagious for at least 7 days after treatment, and until the sores are fully healed.
• Follow-up testing will happen for one year to ensure a good response to treatment.
• Syphilis treatment can be given at any stage in the infection, but it cannot reverse any damage that has already been done.