Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, sexually, vertically from mother to fetus, or via blood transfusion. It progresses through four stages: primary with genital lesions, secondary with body rashes and flu-like symptoms, latent where the carrier shows no symptoms, and tertiary which can be life-threatening affecting various organs. Diagnosis involves physical examinations, microscopic tests, and serological tests, with complications including dementia, cardiovascular issues, and pregnancy problems.

1. By
Mr. K. K. Zambare
HOD, Pharmacology
SBSPM B. Pharmacy College, Ambajogai
Prof. K. K. Zambare

2. Definition
 Syphilis is sexually transmitted disease caused due to
Treponema pallidum.
 T. pallidim is spirochete bacterium
Prof. K. K. Zambare

3. Mode of transmission
 Direct contact with infected patient
 Sexual transmission
 Vertical trasmission: From infected mother to foetus
 Blood transfussion
Prof. K. K. Zambare

4. Stages
Prof. K. K. Zambare
Primary
• Appears after 3 to 4 weeks after the infection
• Lesions on genitals, in mouth, rectum
Secondary
• Sores in throat, Lesion or rash anywhere on body
• Show symptoms likeWeight loss, fever, swollen lymph nodes
Latent
• It is hidden stage. Person is carrier of infection
• Does not show any symptom. Stage may last for year
Tertiary
• Life threatening stage. The bacteria spreads to various organs
• May lead to meningitis, heart disease, memory loss, Blindness

5. Symptoms
Symptoms vary as per the stage of disease but generally shows
following signs,
 Skin rash
 Fever
 Fatigue
 Headache
 Weight loss
 Lesions in mouth,
Vagina, anus, penis
 Dementia
 Blindness
 Neurosyphilis
 Dementia
Prof. K. K. Zambare

6. Diagnosis
 Physical examination: Physician may check
symptoms of disease physically.
 Microscopic test: Lymph from lesion is collected and
observed under microscope.
 Serological test:
 Radiological examination
Prof. K. K. Zambare

7. Complications
 Dementia: Memory may be lost in severe cases
 Cardiovascular diseases: Valvular defects, cardiac
infection
 Neurological problems: The bacteria may infect the
meninges and leads to meningitis, also cause stroke,
blindness
 Gastric syphilis: This may lead to anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, weight loss
 Pregnancy Problems: Syphilis leads to miscarriage,
stillbirth
Prof. K. K. Zambare