Syphilis (Lues)

Definition and causes

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium, Treponema pallidum, which is a small spiral-shaped bacterium. Infection occurs through small scratches in the mucous membranes of the genital tract. Earlier the disease was widespread, particularly during the two world wars. In the 70s and 80s the disease was widespread among gay men, while in the late 90s was at its lowest with around 30 new cases per. years in Denmark. This figure has since risen slightly, and stood at the beginning of the millennium

The disease is traditionally divided into 3 stages, respectively. primary, secondary and tertiary syphilis. Often compartmentalize also a disease of early and a late stage, when the early primary and secondary syphilis and early latent stage, while the late phase is late latent and tertiary syphilis. The reason for this division is that some do not experience symptoms associated with primary and secondary syphilis, and traditionally they released to the late stage after two years. Then you can carry the disease without symptoms, o

Symptoms of syphilis

The symptoms vary according to what stage of syphilis, you are in.

Primary syphilis:
The average incubation period for syphilis 3 weeks, but it can vary between 9 and 90 days. At the place where the bacterium is forced through the mucous membranes, you will find "primary", syphilis years, there is a round superficial wounds, bright and hard but pain-free and uømt. Usually found in the man in the penis head or on the underside just below the head. In homosexual men may be found in the anus or at the beginning of the end of the intestine. In women sit on the rule of the small or large labia, and for Tuesday

Secondary syphilis:
Within half a year, usually in small two months after infection, the disease is transferred to the secondary stage. The symptoms here can be diverse, and most of the symptoms that are seen, can be seen with other diseases. First developed flu-like symptoms, with fever, fatigue and general sickness feeling. Subsequently developed a skin rash of extremely varied nature. Rash can sit in most places: on the back / abdomen, hand and foot and in mucous membranes around the anus, vagina and penis

Tertiary syphilis:
Stripping after several years of infection (5-20 years) and are very rare. The symptom is the growth of small red Focal ready vegetation on the skin that can vulnerable. In addition, there may be effects on blood vessels as aortaaneurisme and aortainsufficiens. Infection can also cause injury to the brain and nervous system in the form of neuro-syphilis, which gives dementia or paralysis.

The symptoms may be absent as mentioned in the first two stages, and we call this latent syphilis. This split time at a limit of two years in the early and a late stage. The delay may move into tertiary syphilis.

Precautions and diagnosis

The diagnosis is not easy to make, since the symptoms are so vague as described. It can capture the doctor's attention is primary. Often, a promiskuøs behavior, and especially a history of unprotected sex in vulnerable areas, could lead suspicion onto syphilis. In addition, we are witnessing, often a characteristic rash on his back.

Once suspicion is aroused, there are a number of samples that can be performed. A sample from chankeren if this is available, will reveal the presence of the bacterium, Treponema pallidum by microscopy. Blood samples analyzed by the State Seruminstitut, and includes both some specific and some non-specific analysis. If there are neurological symptoms, also performed a lumbar puncture, after which they can analyze the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain of proteins related to a syphilis infection.

Treatment of syphilis

Syphilis bacteria are sensitive to the usual antibiotics, but treatment length is usually about two weeks, because of slow bacterial growth. Often, after the boot of antibiotics get a fever response, due to decay of the bacterium.

Select and complications of syphilis

Sequels are usually relatively harmless, if we detect the infection before it reaches a higher stage. This disease can cause dementia and paralysis.

Prevention of syphilis

The primary prevention is to practice safe sex, ie. use a condom, which is the only form of contraception that protect against sexually transmitted diseases. In addition to sexual relations with persons from vulnerable areas, obviously increases the risk. The prevalence of syphilis in the north is relatively modest.
There is no vaccine against syphilis.