Late syphilis

Late Syphilis is a stage of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This stage of the disease, also known as tertiary syphilis, typically occurs years to decades after the initial infection, and can involve severe complications affecting multiple organ systems.

Etiology

Late syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which is transmitted through sexual contact or from mother to child during pregnancy (congenital syphilis). The bacterium can remain dormant in the body for many years before progressing to late syphilis.

Symptoms and Complications

The symptoms of late syphilis can vary widely and may affect many different parts of the body. They can include:

• Gummas, which are soft, tumor-like balls of inflammation
• Neurological problems, such as stroke or meningitis
• Cardiovascular problems, such as aneurysms or valvular heart disease
• Mental symptoms, such as dementia or psychosis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of late syphilis typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. These tests can include serologic tests for syphilis, as well as more specific tests such as the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test.

Treatment

Treatment for late syphilis typically involves long-term antibiotic therapy, often with penicillin. In some cases, additional treatments may be needed to manage complications of the disease.

Prevention

Prevention of late syphilis primarily involves prevention of the initial syphilis infection, through safe sex practices and regular STD testing. Pregnant women should also be tested for syphilis to prevent congenital syphilis.

See Also

• Syphilis
• Sexually transmitted infection
• Treponema pallidum
• Congenital syphilis