Alternative Names
Lues; Cupid’s disease; Syph
Definition of Syphilis
Syphilis is infection with the bacteria .
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted infectious disease. The bacteria that cause it spread through broken skin or mucous membranes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of syphilis depend on the stage of the disease. Many people do not have symptoms.
Signs and tests
Blood tests can be done to detect substances produced by the bacteria that cause syphilis. The older test is the test. Other blood tests may include and
Treatment
Antibiotics are an effective treatment for syphilis. The antibiotic of choice is penicillin. The dose and how it’s given (into a muscle or into a vein) depend on the stage of syphilis. Doxycycline may be used as an alternative treatment in individuals who are allergic to penicillin.
Expectations (prognosis)
With prompt treatment and follow-up care, syphilis can be cured.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 5/30/2009
