SYPHILIS:

This disease is produced by a bacteria called Treponema Pallidum. There is evidence that this infection existed in the time of the Ancient Egyptians. In the 70s and 80s syphilis infections began to decrease but is becoming more common again in large European cities since the 1990s.

At Open House we see many patients who are positive for syphilis despite not having any symptoms.

Read more about this disease below:

How can I get infected with syphilis ?

Syphilis is mainly transmitted in sex, by direct contact with the skin which produces a chancre (ulcer), by contact with from other sites in infected patients, by oral sex without a condom (if the lesion if in the mouth, on the penis, on the vulva or arse), kissing a mouth which has a chancre (painless), by accidental contamination via syringes, or by transmission from mother to child via the placenta or during labour.

Normally you only know if you have syphilis if you see the lesion. The ulcer is painless, and therefore if you don't see it you may not know you have it (because it may be hidden in the throat, mouth, arse or vagina).

What are the stages of syphilis infection ?

After a period of about 10 days to 6 weeks, a painless blister will form which turns rapidly into an ulcer at the infection site. At this stage it is easily transmitted from person to person. This chancre then disappears a month or 6 weeks later, but this does not mean the patient is cured rather that the next phase is about to start.

In the second phase there may be no symptoms and it is usual that the patient feels well. Other symptoms in this stage can be rashes, fever, throat pain or joint pain, headache, lack of appetite. The patient is extremly infectious in this stage. However, once again these symptoms may disappear. There may be multiple episodes of this kind of infection or it may enter a chronic state.

In the third phase, which occurs many years after the primary infection, the bacteria can affect any organ, typically the heart, nerves and brain.

How can syphilis be detected ?

The classic test look for antibodies as evidence of infection. At Open House we can detect these antibodies with a technology that takes just 15 minutes. If you have had syphilis in the past if may be necessary to do a more specific test to look for recent new infections as antibodies may persist for life after the first infection.

What is the treatment?

Generally the bacteria is easy to treat. The age-old penicillin given as injections can maintain high levels of antibiotic against the bacteria. If treated early, normally there are no long term consequences of syphilis. If you are allergic to penicillin there are alternatives available.

How can you protect yourself against syphilis?

Above all, use a condom, the message is clear, as is the case for any other sexually transmitted disease. Since syphilis is easily transmitted in oral sex we recommend that you do a check-up every six months so that any early infections can be promptly treated.

If you have any questions about syphilis or the test we do please write to: