Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Congenital Infections Flashcards
What is the bacteria that causes Syphilis?
Treponema pallidum, is a spiral shaped bacteria that is sexually transmitted.
Where on the body does some syphilis start?
Genitals, rectum, and mouth
How is syphilis transmitted?
Person to person via skin or mucous membrane contact with these sores.
What happens after the initial infection of syphilis?
The syphilis bacteria can lie dormant in your body for decades before becoming active again.
Can early syphilis be cured? If so how?
Yes. can be cured sometimes with a single injection of penicillin.
What happens if syphilis isn’t treated?
Can severely damage your heart, brain or other organs and can be life-threatening.
What are the stages of syphilis?
Stage 1: 3-90 days after exposure- SORE
Stage 2: 4-10 weeks after initial infection- BODY RASH
Stage 3: 3-15 years after initial infection- AFFECTS INTERNAL ORGANS
What is the rash that occurs in stage 2 called and where is it particularly found?
Papular rash, found on chest, palms, and soles of feet.
Is syphilis a notifiable disease? If so who does it get reported to and why?
Yes, reported to regional public health for contact tracing.
How do congenital and perinatal infections occur?
The microbes must cross the placenta to infect the foetus.
What are perinatal infections acquired?
At birth. eg. herpes simplex, and chlamydia
When do pregnant women (attending care) get screened for syphilis and how?
By blood test at their first antenatal visit in the first trimester, however it doesn’t mean they cannot get it in the second or third trimester and they are not screened again
What happens to the foetus in congenital syphilis?
Can result in stillbirth, prematurity, or a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations.
What is congenital syphilis?
is syphilis present in utero and at birth, and occurs when a child is born to a mother with syphilis.
