Syphilis Treatment: Treatment Methods, Medication Choices, and Treatment Guidelines in Hong Kong

Understanding the Importance of Syphilis Treatment

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum and remains a significant public health issue in Hong Kong. The treatment of syphilis has seen little change over decades, primarily relying on antibiotic therapy, but treatment effectiveness is closely related to the disease stage. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for complete recovery, while delayed treatment may lead to severe and irreversible organ damage. This guide will provide comprehensive information on syphilis treatment for Hong Kong residents, including treatment options, medical services in Hong Kong, associated costs, and post-treatment care.

Syphilis Treatment Methods

Primary Treatment Medications

Penicillin injections are the preferred medication for treating all stages of syphilis. Treatment options for syphilis have changed little over the decades, with penicillin (benzathine penicillin G) remaining the treatment of choice.

For patients allergic to penicillin:

• Can switch to oral antibiotics doxycycline or tetracycline
• A single 2g oral dose of azithromycin has been studied as an effective alternative for early syphilis, but monitoring for drug resistance is necessary

Treatment Plans by Stage

Primary and Secondary Syphilis

• Treatment method: Single antibiotic injection or a course of injections, or oral antibiotic tablets/capsules
• Treatment duration: Typically about 10-21 days, sometimes longer
• Treatment effectiveness: Syphilis will be completely cured as long as medication is taken correctly

Latent and Late-stage Syphilis

• Treatment method: Penicillin injections, but treatment duration is extended, and treatment complexity increases
• Treatment effectiveness: Syphilis at this stage can be treated, but damage already done to the body may be permanent

Side effects of syphilis treatment

One of the side effects of syphilis treatment is the Ya-Hertz reaction. This side effect often occurs within an hour and lasts for 24 hours with fever, muscle pain, headache and rapid heartbeat. It is caused by the release of lipoproteins (endotoxin) by the ruptured syphilis, which causes the immune system to release cytokines.

Post-Treatment Care and Monitoring

Follow-up Testing

• You need to return for follow-up tests to check if the infection has cleared and confirm you haven't been re-exposed
• Your blood tests may remain positive in any future tests—even after successful treatment

Why is Syphilis Treatment So Important?

Without proper treatment, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious long-term complications. Left untreated, syphilis can begin to cause serious damage to the heart, brain, eyes, other internal organs, bones, and nervous system. This damage can be fatal.