Syphilis

Question 1

syphilis

Answer 1

• treponema pallidum -> spirochete bacterium

- systemic spread via blood and lymph (microbes proliferate rapidly and don’t need host cell to divide)

Question 2

transmission

Answer 2

• shedding lesions containing microbial particles during sexual contact
• placental transmission from infected mother to baby (after 16 wks of pregnancy and placenta is fully developed)

Question 3

complications

Answer 3

ocular, cardiac, paralysis, death

Question 4

etiology

Answer 4

3 stages (primary, secondary, tertiary stages)

Question 5

primary stage

Answer 5

• painless chancre at contact sites (refers to lesion)
• 1 month post-exposure
• regional lymphadenopathy

Question 6

chancre

Answer 6

• non-bleeding, oval-shaped ulcer

- heals in 3-12 weeks, but pt is not cured - still infected with bacteria, just lesion is not present

Question 7

lymphadenopathy

Answer 7

-bacteria in lymphatic system causing an infection and resulting in inflmtn of lymph nodes

Question 8

secondary stage

Answer 8

• up to 6 months
• 6-8 wk post-infection (if untx)
• maculopapular rash (spotty, pimple-like) on palms and soles
• white patches on mucous membranes
• papules
• generalized lymphadenopathy
• fever, malaise (systemic infection)
• latency (if not eradicated, will advance subclinically)

Question 9

tertiary stage

Answer 9

• occurs 1-35 years after unTx primary stage

- bacteria can still be eradicated, but have permanent damage to bones, CVS, and NS

Question 10

treatment

Answer 10

• spirochetes have a long generation time of 30hr (time it takes for colony to double in size)
• long-acting Abx (pencillin) must be used