Syphilis

Causative Organism

Caused by infection with the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

Characteristics

• This infection is multisystem and has many clinical features that may mimic other conditions. Late complications can present many years after the original infection.

• The infection is classified as congenital or acquired, and each of these as late or early.

• In acquired early syphilis, the initial manifestation is the ‘chancre’, which develops at the site of exposure.

• The lesion is painless, indurated, and exudes serous fluid containing T. pallidum, and there is regional lymphadenopathy.

• This resolves within a few weeks and is followed by bacteria disseminate of clinical symptoms and signs.

These include a widespread erythematous rash, genital mucous lesions, and raised lesions, termed ‘condylomata Lata’.

Complications

• Neurological involvement
• Meningitis.
• Eighth nerve palsy and consequent deafness.
• Tinnitus
• Ophthalmic (most often uveitis).