Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Left untreated, it progresses through distinct stages, beginning with a painless sore at the site of infection and potentially advancing, years later, to affect the heart, brain, and other organs. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant person to a fetus, a form known as congenital syphilis.
Facts
Classification
ICD-10 ChapterI: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases 2 Communicable or Non-communicable Transmission Route Condition Classinfectious, bacterial, chronic 3 Causative AgentThe bacterium Treponema pallidum. 3 First Described PrevalenceWHO estimates that 8 million adults between 15 and 49 years old acquired syphilis in 2022. 3 Causative Agent
Causative Agent (category) Syphilis
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FAQs
When does syphilis first appear in European written records?
In 1495 in Naples during a French invasion.
The first written records of an outbreak of syphilis in Europe date to 1495 in Naples, Italy, during a French invasion. The causative bacterium, Treponema pallidum, was identified long after that outbreak was first recorded.
How many people does the World Health Organization estimate acquired syphilis in 2022?
About 8 million adults aged 15 to 49.
WHO estimates that 8 million adults between 15 and 49 years old acquired syphilis in 2022. This figure is a modelled estimate for that age group and that year, published in the WHO fact sheet on syphilis.
Connections
Associated With
Compound 606, marketed as Salvarsan, was an arsenic based agent effective against the spirochete bacteria that cause syphilis.
Treated By
Source Arsphenamine (Wikipedia)
Source Fowler's solution - Wikipedia
Source Pyrotherapy (Wikipedia)
In the Other Atlases
Addressed By
Also in Health and Wellness Atlas: a program that addresses this condition.
Source PAHO: EMTCT Plus Initiative 2010-2021 (overview page)overview page, objective sentencetier 1Quote, overview page, objective sentence
The EMTCT Plus initiative aims to achieve and sustain the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, Chagas disease, and hepatitis B.
Also in Health and Wellness Atlas: a program that addresses this condition.
Source WHO Western Pacific: Baseline Report 2018 on Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis in Asia and the PacificRegional framework vision statement, WHO Western Pacific baseline report pagetier 1Quote, Regional framework vision statement, WHO Western Pacific baseline report page
upholds the vision that every infant should be free of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis
Also in Health and Wellness Atlas: a program that addresses this condition.
Source Journal of Global Health, congenital syphilis backgroundOpening paragraphQuote, Opening paragraph
In 2017, CD2030 identified syphilis screening and treatment during antenatal care (ANC) as priority indicators for monitoring.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Syphilis
WikipediaWikipedia: Syphilis, History
The first written records of an outbreak of syphilis in Europe occurred in 1495 in Naples, Italy, during a French invasion.
Lead section, body-system statement
The primary stage classically presents with a single chancre (a firm, painless, non-itchy skin ulceration usually between 1 cm and 2 cm in diameter), though there may be multiple sores.
Lead section, transmission-route statement
Syphilis () is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum.
View the Source 2. Wikipedia: ICD-10
WikipediaList of chapters, Chapter IQuote, List of chapters, Chapter I
Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
3. World Health Organization Fact Sheets
WHO fact sheet: Syphilis, Overview
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
WHO fact sheet: Syphilis, Key facts
WHO estimates that 8 million adults between 15 and 49 years old acquired syphilis in 2022.
Arsphenamine (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationTreated By: Arsphenamine, Lead sectionQuote, Treated By: Arsphenamine, Lead section
the first effective treatment for the deadly infectious diseases syphilis
Fowler's solution - Wikipedia
Treated By: Fowler's Solution, Article text, use for SyphilisQuote, Treated By: Fowler's Solution, Article text, use for Syphilis
Fowler's solution consists of 1% potassium arsenite (KAsO2) in water and was first described and published as a potential treatment for malaria and syphilis in the late 1700s and was once also prescribed as a tonic.
Pyrotherapy (Wikipedia)
Treated By: Pyrotherapy, SyphilisQuote, Treated By: Pyrotherapy, Syphilis
This procedure was used to treat syphilis until penicillin was found to be a safer, more effective measure in the 1940s.
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