Definition of Syphilis – This course is designed to understand the care of pregnant women and newborn: antenatal, intra-natal and postnatal; breast feeding, family planning, newborn care and ethical issues, The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge and develop competencies regarding midwifery, complicated labour and newborn care including family planning.
Definition of Syphilis
Definition of syphilis:
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum. The signs and symptoms of syphilis vary depending in which of the four stages it presents (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary).
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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if it is not treated. Syphilis is divided into stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). There are different signs and symptoms associated with each stage.
Management:
Diagnosis:
C/F:
A. Primary stage:
- The primary lesion or chancre is found on the labium majus, labium minus, fourchette, clitoris, urethral orifice or cervix. Chancre is indurated, firm, painless, papule or ulcer with raised border.
- The inguinal L.N. are enlarged, hard & shotty but painless.
B. Secondary stage:
The primary chancre heals spontaneously in 2-6 weeks and soon afterwards the secondary stage of syphilis which results from entry of spirochaetes into the bloodstream.
- General systemic upset with lassitude, anorexia, headache & pyrexia.
- Macular, papular or pustular skin rashes- non-irritant, pleomorphic, bilateral & copper colored.
- Occasional loss of scalp hrair.
- White mucous patches in, or ulceration of the mouth & pharynx.
- Generalized lymphadenopathy- especially epitrochlear is diagnostic.
- Condylomatalata.
C. Tertiary stage:
- Localized granulomas (gummas) in any part of the body.
- Ulcer with serpiginous outline and surrounding oedema.
Investigations:
A. Serological test:
1. Non-specific:
- VDRL/RPR
- ELISA
2. Specific:
- TPHA
- Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbed test. Dark around illumination (DGI) test: +ve,
Treatment:
1. Benzathine penicillin 2.4 million units IM for primary (single dose) or secondary syphilis (2 doses 1 week interval), 3 doses 1 week interval for tertiary stage.
2. If the pt. is sensitive to penicillin-
a. Ceftriaxone 1 gm iv on alternate days for 5 doses, or
b. Oxytetracycline 500 mg 6 hrly for 30 days. Or
c. Erythromycin 500 mg 6 hrly for 30 days.
Condyloma lata:
It is one of the clinical sign of syphilis which is seen on the vulva & around the anus. They are coarse, flat-topped, moist & necrotic.
Investigation: Same as syphilis
Rx: Same as syphilis
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