How is syphilis

Syphilis refers to the classic sexually transmitted infections and is caused by a pale Treponema. Pale Treponema undetectable method of stained smears and by cultivation. This complicates early diagnosis, as serologic diagnosis early in the disease ineffective. If a person is not treated the rash with an antiseptic, using a special microscope Treponema can be seen in the discharge of the chancre.

Syphilis affects the mucous membranes, internal organs and system, and without treatment can lead to disability and death. Previously, syphilis was called the "great APE", as its symptoms are very diverse and easily confused with the manifestations of skin diseases. The main route of infection with syphilis ─ sexual, with a single sexual contact with an infected person only in 30% of cases leads to infection. Latent period, patients almost not dangerous and the risk of infection is 2%, in the period of secondary syphilis characterized by a rash, sores in the genital area the risk of infection is very high.

Sexual transmission

Syphilis transmitted through the classic sexual intercourse, or during oral-genital, oral-anal, and anal sex. For infection is necessary to observe only two conditions: the violation of the integrity of the mucous membranes or the skin and a sufficient number of pale treponem in biological fluids.

Heavy petting with biting, damage to the skin, deep petting and rubbing genitals can lead to infection, if the patient present skin rashes.

Other ways of transmission of syphilis

Possible infection through blood components, transplantation of infected organs. Unsterile instruments in health care facilities, noncompliance epidemic. regime can lead to nosocomial infection with syphilis. A similar mechanism of infection occurs and during intravenous drug use in one syringe. Infection of the medical staff may work in laboratories and hospitals ─ a doctor are particularly prone to infection when carrying out operations and other invasive procedures.

Transplacentary transmission of syphilis is characterized for pregnant women, patients with syphilis. Treponema pallidum crosses the placental barrier, leading to in-utero foetal damage. A child is born with congenital syphilis or dying in the womb. If the mother diagnosed with syphilis, she can't feed the baby breast milk, to avoid infection.

Contact transmission occurs within groups, such as in dormitories, student communes within the family. This is due to the neglect rules of personal hygiene, using other people's toiletries: razors, manicure sets, sponges and towels. The rest of patients with syphilis and their safe isolation, or compulsory hospitalization is not required.

Today often there are forms of syphilis, which is not accompanied by the classic symptoms. This is due to self-treatment, taking antibiotics to treat other infections and the spread of non-traditional forms of sexual activity. In particular, the chancre appears at the anal area, the mouth area, is often diagnosed syphilitic angina. The accessibility and simplicity of serological diagnosis allows you to quickly diagnose syphilis, because patients with the tertiary form of syphilis and late complications almost never occur.