Syphilis

Causative agents

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum ssp. pallidum. Treponema is a motile spirochaete bacterium.

Statistics

Syphilis affects 12 million people worldwide at a cost of $106 million. [1] Syphilis is widespread across the world and is not specific to a particular region. Untreated syphilis leads to internal organ damage, including the brain, nerves, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. Final stages leading to death include paralysis, blindness, and dementia.[2]

Modes of Transmission

Syphilis is mainly transmitted by direct contact with a chancre sore; this can occur by sexual or congenital transmission.[2] Once the bacteria is in the body it may be possible to transmit the bacteria via transfusions and organ transplant. 

Methods of diagnosis

The diagnosis of Syphilis relies upon microscopy, serology, and PCR tests.

Annotated Bibliography

1. Anonymous, Syphilis. WrongDiagnosis, August 12 2009. www.wrongdiagnosis.com.

2. Anonymous, Syphilis Fact Sheet. 2007, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of STD Prevention: Atlanta.