A53.9

Clinical Causes: Primary cause is direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Transmission can occur from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy (congenital syphilis). Less commonly, transmission may occur through blood transfusions or sharing contaminated needles.

Key Symptoms: Sores at the site of infection, which are usually firm, round, painless, and occur roughly three weeks after exposure. Skin rashes that often do not cause itching, appearing on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Mucous patches, which are moist, flat, grayish lesions in the mouth, throat, or around the genital area. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, fatigue, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. Alopecia, or patchy hair loss, especially in later stages. In untreated cases, stages progress to more severe symptoms affecting the nervous system, heart, and other organs.

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and blood tests to detect syphilis-specific antibodies. These tests include non-treponemal tests such as the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) or Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test, and treponemal tests like the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption (FTA-ABS) test. Sometimes, samples from sores may be examined under a microscope to identify Treponema pallidum directly. It’s important to share details of potential exposure and previous infections to assist in accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Protocols: Syphilis is generally curable with antibiotic therapy, most commonly administered as an intramuscular injection of penicillin. The treatment course depends on the stage of infection: - Early-stage syphilis typically requires a single dose. - Late-stage or more advanced cases may need multiple doses over several weeks. Additional treatments may be needed for neurological or other complications. Following treatment, regular follow-up blood tests are essential to confirm the infection has been effectively treated and to monitor for potential relapse. Abstaining from sexual activity until treatment completion and confirmation of cure is advised to prevent transmission.