Tertiary syphilis

Tertiary syphilis is the third stage of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This stage can occur years or decades after the initial infection, and is characterized by severe complications that can affect multiple organ systems, including the heart and blood vessels, the brain and nervous system, and the skin and bones.

Symptoms

The symptoms of tertiary syphilis can vary widely, depending on which organ systems are affected. They can include:

• Gummas, which are soft, tumor-like balls of inflammation that can occur anywhere in the body, but are most commonly found in the skin, bones, and liver.
• Cardiovascular syphilis, which can cause inflammation of the aorta and other large blood vessels, leading to aneurysms, heart valve disease, and other complications.
• Neurosyphilis, which can cause a wide range of neurological problems, including mental deterioration, vision loss, hearing loss, and stroke.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of tertiary syphilis can be challenging, as the symptoms can mimic many other diseases. It typically involves a combination of blood tests, physical examination, and possibly imaging studies or biopsies of affected tissues.

Treatment

The treatment for tertiary syphilis is usually a long course of antibiotics, typically penicillin. In some cases, additional treatments may be needed to manage the complications of the disease.

Prevention

The best way to prevent tertiary syphilis is to avoid getting syphilis in the first place. This can be achieved through safe sex practices, regular testing for sexually transmitted infections, and prompt treatment of any detected infections.

See also

• Primary syphilis
• Secondary syphilis
• Congenital syphilis

References

Tertiary syphilis Resources
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