Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It progresses through distinct stages (primary, secondary, latent, tertiary) and can affect nearly every organ system, earning it the nickname “The Great Pretender” for its wide-ranging symptoms. If untreated, it can lead to severe long-term complications, including neurological, cardiovascular, and organ damage.
Key Facts for Medical Professionals
- Transmission: Direct contact with infectious sores (chancres) during sexual activity; can also be transmitted from mother to fetus (congenital syphilis).
- Diagnosis: Requires a two-step serologic testing process: a non-treponemal screening test (e.g., RPR, VDRL) followed by a confirmatory treponemal test (e.g., TP-PA, EIA).
- First-Line Treatment: Benzathine penicillin G, administered intramuscularly. The regimen (single vs. multiple doses) is strictly determined by the disease stage and presence of neurologic involvement. Penicillin remains the only recommended treatment for pregnant patients.
- Critical Note: There is no proven effective alternative to penicillin for treating syphilis in pregnancy or neurosyphilis. Patients with penicillin allergy in these cases require desensitization.