Syphilis, Sexually Transmitted Disease(STD)

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Treponema pallidum. It can spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner. The obvious symptom is the appearance of open ulcerative sores on the genitals, mouth, anus or rectum, which is called chancre.

Syphilis Test

Blood tests are normally used to detect syphilis antibody. However, a swab test can also be used if there is a chancre.

Syphilis Antibody Test (Blood)

Syphilis DNA Test (Swab)

Syphilis Treatment

Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. If not treated in time, syphilis will go through different stages of the disease, each stage has different symptoms, which can imitate other diseases.

In extreme cases, syphilis can invade the nervous system, causing

headaches,
behavior changes,
poor coordination, and
dementia.

Syphilis Prevention

Always using condoms correctly, long-term monogamy and abstinence are the best ways to protect yourself from syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections.

Syphilis statistics

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of syphilis was estimated to be 19.9 million in 2016 (or 0.5% in men and 0.5% in women aged 15-49), and the estimated global incidence was 6.3 million new cases (or 1.6 per 1000 men and 1.7 per 1000 women). World Health Organization. Report on global sexually transmitted infection surveillance 2018. The presence of syphilitic sores (chancre) also increases the chance of acquiring other STDs, including HIV. It has been reported that people with syphilis infection are 2-5 times more likely to contract HIV.

REF:
HIV Prevention Through Early Detection and Treatment of Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases -- United States Recommendations of the Advisory Committee for HIV and STD Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00054174.htm ).