Syphilis

   Syphilis is disease which has been known to exist since time memorial.
   Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a
   microscopic, spiral-shaped spirochete bacteria called TREPONEMA
   PALLIDUM. Young persons between the ages of 15 and 34 have the highest
   rates of syphilis.
   Syphilis could be:

      * Congenital Syphilis

      * Acquired Syphilis +----- Primary
                          |
                          +----- Secondary
                          |
                          +----- Late

   Congenital Syphilis

   A pregnant woman can transmit syphilis to her yet unborn child, causing
   congenital syphilis. About 40% of fetuses with congenital syphilis die,
   either before birth or shortly after. Children born with congenital
   syphilis can have many different anomalies that could affect the skin,
   teeth, bones, liver, blood, kidneys, eyes, nerves and brain.

   Women can prevent their childresn from acquiring congenital syphilis by
   getting a blood test done for syphilis early in their pregnancy. If the
   test is positive, they can consult their doctors for immediate treatment
   to prevent the infection from passing to their unborn child.

   Acquired Syphilis
   Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease but its symptoms often
   affect more than just the sex organs. Without treatment, syphilis can
   spread through the entire body and its symptoms can last for years.
   Although less frequently seen now a days, the full spectrum of the
   disease passes through three stages - primary, secondary and late -
   each with its own special signs and symptoms.

       Primary Syphilis
       Primary syphilis begins two to six weeks after sexual contact with
       an infected person. A painless red sore called a "chancre"
       appears, usually on the genitals. Depending on the type of
       contact, the chancre may also appear on the mouth or in the rectal
       area. There is evidence of syphilitic sores on the finger tips of
       paramedical personnel from examining affected patients. Usually there
       are also enlarged lymph nodes in the drainig ares of the affected
       region. Without treatment, the chancre heals after four to six weeks,
       leaving a thin scar and the second stage of syphilis begins.

       Secondary Syphilis
       This stage usually begins two to ten weeks after the chancre
       heals. Syphilis bacteria (Treponema Pallidium) enter the blood and
       spread through the body causing many different symptoms like:

          * rash
          * fever
          * headache
          * loss of appetite
          * weight loss
          * sore throat
          * muscle aches
          * joint pain
          * a generally "ill" feeling
          * enlarged lymph nodes
          * gray or white wart-like patches of skin called "condylomata
            lata" can appear on the moist areas around the anus and vagina.
            In this stage, syphilis may attack the liver, kidneys and eyes
            or cause meningitis.

       Late Syphilis
       After the secondary stage passes, some people with syphilis
       progress to a "latent stage" where they have no more symptoms.
       Others go on to have symptoms of late syphilis that affect the
       eyes, large blood vessels, nerves, and brain. Late syphilis has
       many different signs and symptoms, including memory loss,
       psychological problems, difficulty walking, loss of balance, loss
       of feeling (especially in the legs), problems in bladder control,
       impotence, vision problems, and symptoms of heart disease.

   Prevention:

   Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. It can be prevented by
   abstaining from sex. For those who are sexually active, it is
   advisable to avoid sex with people whose health history you don't know
   and avoid unprotected sex. Be aware that sexual histories are
   sometimes less than fully accurate.

   Incubation / Treatment:
   The average incubation period for syphilis is 21 days.
   Primary or secondary syphilis can be cured with injected penicillin or
   antibiotics given by mouth. Without treatment, syphilis can continue
   for years and can cause serious damage to the nerves, brain, eyes,
   heart, and other organs.

   Contagiousness:
   Syphilis is contagious and can be transmitted by sexual intercourse
   with an infected person. The ulcers of the first stage and the rash of
   the second stage are especially infectious and can pass the syphilis
   spirochete to other persons. Pregnant women with syphilis can also
   pass the infection to their unborn children.