Syphilis Flashcards
What kind of microbe is involved in syphilis and what is its shape?
- Treponema pallidum
- Spirochete (spiral shape)
What is the transmission of syphilis?
- Shedding lesions
- Eg: Abraded skin & membranes during sexual
contact
- Eg: Abraded skin & membranes during sexual
T of F:
Syphilis cannot cross the placenta.
F, it can and may affect the embryo
Is the microbe in syphilis local or systemic?
Both! Proliferates locally, then (possibly) spreads systemically via blood and lymph
What are 3 possible complications of syphilis?
- Ocular complications
- Cardiac complications
- Paralysis
Is syphilis life threatening?
Without timely intervention, yes
What 2 main things take place during the first stage of syphilis?
- Lesions: painless chancre at site of exposure
- Development of regional lymphadenopathy
Explain the lesions seen in syphilis? how do they differ from men to women?
- Vagina, cervix (can remain undetected & unTx in
women) - Penis (exposed, more easily detectable)
- Appear ~1 mt post exposure
- Resolve in 3-12 wk
How long does the 2nd stage of syphilis last and when might it start?
- Up to 6 m in duration
- Appears 6-8 wk post infection if not treated
What mnfts are seen during the 2nd stage of syphilis?
4
- 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
During the 2nd stage of syphilis, the bacterium becomes latent, what does this mean for the pt? Can they still infct other people?
- 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
Explain the 3rd stage of syphilis?
- ~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
What is used to Dx syphilis?
Serology
What is the Tx for syphilis, and why is it this specific type of Abx?
- 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
- Spirochetes require about 30 hr while E. coli has a