Syphilis – etiology, epidemiology.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact. The disease starts as a painless sore — typically on your genitals, rectum or mouth. Syphilis spreads from person to person via skin or mucous membrane contact with these sores. After the initial infection, the syphilis
bacteria can remain inactive (dormant) in your body for decades before becoming active again. Early syphilis can be cured, sometimes with a single shot (injection) of penicillin. Without treatment, syphilis can severely damage your heart, brain or other organs, and can be life-threatening. Syphilis can also be passed from mothers to unborn children.
- Classification:
- Etiology: Treponema Pallidum is the main causative agent. It’s a motile prokaryotic, helical coiled cell-wall spirochete. The most common route of transmission is through contact with an infected person's sore during sexual activity. The bacteria enter your body through minor cuts or abrasions in your skin or mucous membranes. Syphilis is contagious during its primary
and secondary stages, and sometimes in the early latent period. The early stages are primarily cutaneous and mucocutaneous.
- Epidemiology: Syphilis is prevalent in many developing countries and in some areas of North America, Asia, and Europe, especially Eastern Europe. The highest rates are in South and Southeast Asia, followed closely by sub-Saharan Africa. It is most common during the years of peak sexual activity. Most new cases occur in men and women aged 20-29 years. Men are affected more frequently with primary or secondary syphilis than women. Non-Hispanic blacks are at higher risk for syphilis than all other racial groups. Congenital syphilis – 25% of perinatal disorders.