A Resurgent Infection: Early Detection is Critical
Syphilis cases have increased dramatically in recent years. Often called 'the great imitator', it can mimic other conditions. Early treatment with penicillin is curative. Don't delay testing.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. Once declining, cases have risen significantly in recent years, particularly among men who have sex with men. Syphilis progresses through distinct stages if untreated and can eventually affect the heart, brain, and other organs. The good news: it's easily curable with penicillin, especially when caught early.
Syphilis is diagnosed through blood tests that detect antibodies. Screening tests (EIA/CLIA) detect recent or past infection. If positive, confirmatory tests determine if infection is active. The window period is 1-3 weeks for EIA tests. During primary stage, sores can be swabbed for PCR testing. Regular screening is recommended for those at ongoing risk.
Syphilis is treated with penicillin injection(s). Early syphilis (primary, secondary, early latent) usually requires a single injection. Late latent or unknown duration requires three weekly injections. Alternative antibiotics are available for those allergic to penicillin (though penicillin desensitisation may be preferred). Treatment cures the infection but doesn't reverse any damage already done.
Yes! Syphilis is completely curable with appropriate antibiotic treatment, usually penicillin. Treatment kills the bacteria and prevents progression, but cannot reverse damage already done. This is why early detection and treatment are so important.
Absolutely. The primary chancre of syphilis is characteristically painless and heals on its own - but this doesn't mean you're cured. The infection progresses to secondary and then latent stages. A blood test can detect the infection even after the sore has healed.
If you're at ongoing risk (multiple partners, MSM, HIV-positive), testing every 3 months is recommended. Others should test annually if sexually active with multiple partners, with each new partner, or if you develop symptoms. Testing is a simple blood test.
Yes. Treatment cures your current infection but doesn't provide immunity. You can be reinfected if exposed again. Partners must also be tested and treated to prevent 'ping-pong' reinfection between partners.
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