Syphilis Flashcards

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1
Q

What kind of microbe is involved in syphilis and what is its shape?

A
  • Treponema pallidum

- Spirochete (spiral shape)

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2
Q

What is the transmission of syphilis?

A
  • Shedding lesions
    • Eg: Abraded skin & membranes during sexual
      contact
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3
Q

T of F:

Syphilis cannot cross the placenta.

A

F, it can and may affect the embryo

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4
Q

Is the microbe in syphilis local or systemic?

A

Both! Proliferates locally, then (possibly) spreads systemically via blood and lymph

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5
Q

What are 3 possible complications of syphilis?

A
  • Ocular complications
  • Cardiac complications
  • Paralysis
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6
Q

Is syphilis life threatening?

A

Without timely intervention, yes

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7
Q

What 2 main things take place during the first stage of syphilis?

A
  • Lesions: painless chancre at site of exposure

- Development of regional lymphadenopathy

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8
Q

Explain the lesions seen in syphilis? how do they differ from men to women?

A
  • Vagina, cervix (can remain undetected & unTx in
    women)
  • Penis (exposed, more easily detectable)
  • Appear ~1 mt post exposure
  • Resolve in 3-12 wk
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9
Q

How long does the 2nd stage of syphilis last and when might it start?

A
  • Up to 6 m in duration

- Appears 6-8 wk post infection if not treated

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10
Q

What mnfts are seen during the 2nd stage of syphilis?

4

A
  • Patches appear on mucous membrane (e.g. on tongue)
  • A maculopapular (spotty, pimple-like) rash develops on
    the palms & soles
  • Lymphadenopathy become systemic
  • Fever, malaise
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11
Q

During the 2nd stage of syphilis, the bacterium becomes latent, what does this mean for the pt? Can they still infct other people?

A
  • Disease is now subclinical but patient can be
    seropositive (i.e. blood test detects Abs) for up to 50 yr
  • Patient is infective in the early stage of latency
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12
Q

Explain the 3rd stage of syphilis?

A
  • ~⅓ of infection progress to this stage, anywhere from 1-35 yrs following an unTx 1st stage
  • Permanent systemic damage sets in affecting for example the CVS, NS & joints
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13
Q

What is used to Dx syphilis?

A

Serology

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14
Q

What is the Tx for syphilis, and why is it this specific type of Abx?

A
  • Long-acting penicillin
  • Long-acting because spirochetes have a long
    generation time which is the time required for a colony
    to double in number
    • Spirochetes require about 30 hr while E. coli has a
      generation time of 20 min
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