Syphilis

Presented by GROUP 6
CONTENT WARNING!
The following images contains
material that may be harmful or
traumatizing to some audiences
 What Is Syphilis?
Syphilis is an infection caused by bacteria. Most often, it spreads through sexual contact.
The disease starts as a sore that's often painless and typically appears on the genitals, rectum
or mouth. Syphilis spreads from person to person through direct contact with these sores. It
also can be passed to a baby during pregnancy and childbirth and sometimes through
breastfeeding.

After the infection happens, syphilis bacteria can stay in the body for many years without
causing symptoms. But the infection can become active again. Without treatment, syphilis
can damage the heart, brain or other organs. It can become life-threatening.
 “Causes”
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium
Treponema Pallidum.

It is primarily transmitted through sexual

“Signs &
enters a latent stage where no symptoms are
present, but the infection persists. This stage can

Symptoms”
last for years, and during this time, the bacteria
can cause damage to internal organs, including
the heart, brain, nerves, and bones.
1. Primary Stage:
The first sign of syphilis is usually a 4. Tertiary Stage: In some cases, untreated
small, painless sore or ulcer at the syphilis can progress to the tertiary stage, which
site of infection, typically on the can be life-threatening. It can cause severe
genitals, anus, or mouth. These sores damage to the heart, blood vessels, brain, spinal
can go unnoticed and may heal on cord, and other organs. Symptoms may include
their own, but the infection persists. cardiovascular problems, Neurosyphilis and
Gummatous Syphilis
2. Secondary Stage:
If left untreated, syphilis progresses 5. Congenital Syphilis: If a pregnant woman with
to the secondary stage, characterized syphilis is not treated, she can pass the infection
by a rash that may appear on the to her baby, leading to congenital syphilis. This
palms of the hands, soles of the feet, can result in still birth, premature birth, low
or other parts of the body. Other birth weight, birth defects, and developmental
symptoms may include fever, delays. Congenital syphilis can have serious long-
swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, term consequences for the child's health and
and patchy hair loss. development.
 “Effects”
1. Increased Risk of HIV Transmission: 4. Psychosocial Impact:
Having syphilis can increase the risk Coping with a sexually transmitted
of acquiring or transmitting the human infection can have emotional and
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during psychological effects. The stigma
sexual activity. The sores or ulcers associated with STIs, fear of judgment,
caused by syphilis provide entry points and concerns about relationships can
for the HIV. contribute to stress, anxiety, and
depression.
2. Pregnancy Complications:
Pregnant women with syphilis can 5. Organ Damage and Failure:
transmit the infection to their unborn In the tertiary stage of syphilis,
child, leading to congenital syphilis. if the infection progresses to affect vital
This can result in serious complications organs such as the heart and brain, it can
for the infant, including stillbirth, lead to serious complications, including
premature birth, low birth weight, and organ damage and failure.
congenital abnormalities.
6. Long-Term Health Monitoring:
3. Elevated Risk of Other Infections: Even after successful treatment,
Syphilis can compromise the individuals with a history of syphilis may
require long-term monitoring to assess
immune system, making individuals
for any potential late-stage complications
more susceptible to other infections.
that could arise.
 Did you Know?
Vincent van Gogh, a Pope Alexander VI, Syphilis played a
renowned painter, was not only a stealthy role in World
have suffered from master manipulator War I, where it was
Neurosyphilis, a late- of political intrigue responsible for more
but also a victim of deaths than combat
stage manifestation
Syphilis injuries
of Syphilis
 “Prevention”
1. Safe Sexual Practices: 3. Treatment of Infected Individuals:
Use condoms consistently and correctly Seek prompt medical treatment if you suspect
during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, you have been exposed to syphilis or if you
and oral sex, to reduce the risk of syphilis experience symptoms of the infection. Syphilis can be
transmission. Limit the number of sexual effectively treated with antibiotics, especially in the
partners and choose partners who have been early stages. Complete the full course of antibiotics as
prescribed by a healthcare provider to ensure the
tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
infection is completely cleared from your body.
and are known to be uninfected.
4. Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission:
2. Regular Screening: Pregnant women should receive prenatal care
Get tested for syphilis and other STIs and be screened for syphilis during pregnancy. Early
regularly, especially if you are sexually active detection and treatment can prevent the transmission
or engage in high-risk behaviors. Early of syphilis to the baby. If a pregnant woman tests
detection allows for prompt treatment and positive for syphilis, timely treatment with antibiotics
reduces the risk of complications. can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the
infection to the baby. Follow-up testing and
monitoring are essential to ensure the baby's health.
How is syphilis treated?
“treatment”
Your healthcare provider treats syphilis with antibiotics. Antibiotics are a type of
medication that treats bacterial infections. Syphilis is simple to cure when it's found and
treated in its early stages. The preferred treatment at all stages is penicillin.
Penicillin is the most commonly used medication for syphilis. How much medication
you need and how long you take it depends on your syphilis stage and symptoms. This
antibiotic medicine can kill the bacteria that causes syphilis.
If you're allergic to penicillin, your health care team may suggest another antibiotic. Or
they may recommend a process that safely helps your body get used to penicillin over
time.
TREATMENT FOLLOW-UP
Do not have sexual contact with new partners until the treatment is finished. Blood
tests should show that the infection has been cured, and any sores should be gone.
 Members
SOPHIA VILLAFLORES - PPT
JAISE ALONZO - PPT
JAKOB MELENDRES - REPORTER/RESEARCHER
CHARMAINE ABARCA - RESEARCHER
JAREED SALAMANCA - RESEARCHER/REPORTER
ANDREW CARCASONA - RESEARCHER