Bacterial Infections of the Reproductive Tract

Question 1

What causes Syphilis?

Answer 1

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

Question 2

What is the unique cell shape of Syphilis?

Answer 2

Spirochete
-Gram negative
-pathogen: Treponema pallidum

Question 3

How many stages of Syphilis?

Answer 3

4

Question 4

Primary Stage of Syphilis?

Answer 4

-appearance of chancre
-lasts 3-6 weeks, heals w/out treatment
-will progress into later stages w/out treatment

Question 5

Secondary Stage of Syphilis?

Answer 5

-skin rash: rough, red, or brown-ish spots on the palms or bottom of feet
-fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, hair loss, headache, weight loss, aches, fatigue
-resolve with or without treatment

Question 6

Tertiary Stage of Syphilis?

Answer 6

-internal organ involvement & gummas
-10-20 yrs. after infection was first acquired and not treated
-damages internal organs (brain, nerves, eyes, heart, liver, bones, joints, blood vessels)
-may cause death

Question 7

Latent Stage of Syphilis?

Answer 7

-Clinical inactivity
-when primary & secondary symptoms disappear (can last for years)
-will continue to have syphilis if not treated

Question 8

Syphilis Virulence Factors?

Answer 8

-Hooked tip: grab epithelial cells
-Hyaluronidase: allows spread between cells
-Glycocalyx: protects from phagocytosis

Question 9

Chancre

Answer 9

-Primary stage
-single sore that is firm, round, small, and painless. contains millions of spirochetes
-appears where syphilis entered the body

Question 10

Gumma

Answer 10

-tertiary stage
-painful, rubbery lesions on skin or bones

Question 11

How is Syphilis transmitted?

Answer 11

-Mostly through sexual contact
fewer than 10,000 reported cases/ year
-can be transmitted from mother to child

Question 12

How is Syphilis Treated?

Answer 12

-Penicillin: effective at all stages

Question 13

How is Syphilis Prevented?

Answer 13

-Antibiotic treatment for all those who are infected
-Abstinence
-Monogamy
-Condom use