Syphilis Flashcards
1
Q
How is syphilis caused?
A
- by a bacterium that enters the body through tears in mucous membranes in the genital areas
2
Q
How is syphilis spread?
A
- by direct sexual contact with a person who has an active infection
- by being passed on to a foetus during pregnancy
3
Q
How is syphilis diagnosed?
A
- by blood tests that test for antibodies to the bacteria that cause syphilis
4
Q
What are the symptoms of the first stage of syphilis?
A
- a small bump appears on the penis, vagina or cervix soon after infection
- which gradually turns into a painless sore or ulcer that disappears after a few weeks
5
Q
What are the symptoms of the second stage of syphilis?
A
- similar sores
- a skin rash on other parts of the body
- possible mild fever
6
Q
What are the symptoms of the third stage of syphilis?
A
- (may occur 10 or more years after infection)
- bacterium by this time will have invaded most parts of the body
- will begin to cause damage to many organs such as the liver, bones, blood vessels and the nervous system
7
Q
How can syphilis be treated?
A
- easily and successfully with antibiotics
8
Q
What can happen if syphilis is not treated?
A
- it can be fatal
