🕹️ ✍🏻 👩🏽‍🌾 How can syphilis be detected: symptoms, stages and diagnosis 🤸🏼 👋 👰🏿

Syphilis is a very dangerous sexually transmitted disease that has claimed many lives in the past. Despite the fact that the disease is currently being treated quite successfully, early diagnosis and timely treatment are very important to rule out possible complications. What analysis helps to identify syphilis and what are the symptoms of the disease, we will consider in the article.

Definition

Syphilis is an infectious disease that in the vast majority of cases is sexually transmitted. The disease can affect many organs and systems of a person. The incubation period is 3–6 weeks. When taking antibiotics, its duration increases, and the symptoms become very blurred. This is the danger of pathology. Indeed, at a time when laboratory tests do not yet determine the infection, a person becomes infectious. If you know how much syphilis can be detected, the risk of false negative values is minimized.

The causative agent of this disease is a microorganism called pale treponema. A humid environment is favorable for its habitat. Therefore, human biological fluids are an ideal place for its reproduction. The microorganism is unstable to environmental conditions, but with the necessary humidity (for example, on a wet towel) it can survive for four days.

Classification

The manifestations of syphilis are very extensive and depend on many factors. In order to make it easier to understand how to identify syphilis, an approximate classification of the disease has been developed.

First of all, the separation occurs according to the time factor:

Early syphilis. When no more than five years have passed from the moment of infection.
Late - when the infection has been in the body for more than five years.

There is also a division according to the current symptoms:

Primary.
Secondary.
Tertiary.

Primary syphilis

Many are interested in the question: when can syphilis be detected? After the incubation period, the first signs appear that may indicate the development of the disease:

The very first manifestation of the disease is the appearance of hard chancre. This is the name of a small ulcer or erosion that appears at the site of treponema penetration into the human body. Its distinctive feature will be painlessness. It is necessary to consult a doctor at the first appearance of the chancre, without waiting for its complete disappearance.
After one to two weeks, the lymph nodes begin to become inflamed. This happens mainly near the site of infection. Lymph nodes are dense, painless and mobile.
A general blood test reveals syphilis with a decrease in hemoglobin and an increase in white blood cells.

At the end of this period, a temperature increase of up to 38 degrees, body aches and dense swelling on the genitals can occur.

Secondary

How can syphilis be detected in the secondary stage of its development? It occurs 2-3 months after the primary and can last up to 5 years.

The main feature of this period is the appearance of a rash that can affect the entire human body, including internal organs. At first, rashes of a knotty type or in the form of tubercles appear, which after some time break up and turn into ulcers. Scars, which then form in their place, can deform tissues, organs and bones. This is the cause of violations of their functioning, and sometimes complete destruction, which can lead to death.
In addition to the rash, this period is characterized by baldness, damage to the nails.
The lymph nodes increase, but they are painless.
Some patients report a slight fever, runny nose, and sore throat, which are often confused with signs of a cold.
Perhaps the appearance of an unpleasant odor from the genitals. The nature of the discharge changes.
The secondary stage of syphilis is characterized by a change in infectious and latent periods.

Tertiary period

Currently, in connection with modern methods of diagnosis and treatment, the tertiary period is very rare. It is characterized by the appearance of large rashes and the formation of ulcers. Serious damage to the organs, nervous system, and bone destruction are observed. Syphilis provokes the development of other dangerous diseases. For example, when exposed to the brain, meningitis may develop. Syphilis can also lead to diseases such as kidney and liver failure, arthritis and osteoporosis, and heart disease.

It is worth noting that the occurrence of a rash is not observed in all patients. Experts attribute this to the functioning of the immune system. The higher the immunity, the less unpleasant symptoms appear.

Congenital syphilis and its symptoms

Syphilis can be congenital in origin. Treponemal infection occurs during fetal development from an infected mother. The bacterium cannot penetrate the healthy placental barrier. But the lesions that provoke the disease cause a violation of the integrity of the placenta. Lesions of the fetal organs begin to occur only in the fifth month of its development. Up to this point, timely diagnosis and treatment help give birth to an absolutely healthy baby.

How is congenital syphilis detected? Symptoms that characterize the disease can occur at any time. There are several stages of the manifestation of this pathology in children.

Early syphilis:

The first signs of the disease appear from birth to a four-month-old baby. Defects in the mucous membranes and skin may occur. Possible damage to many organs and systems, especially the central nervous system.
After four months of age, the signs of the disease are less pronounced. Sometimes separate rashes on the skin may appear. It has also been observed that infected children gain weight more slowly, lag behind in development and become restless.
Common symptoms are: dry skin, nose bridge, rhinitis, redness of the heels, eye damage and others.

Late congenital syphilis:

The first symptoms can occur from 1 year to 15 years. In most cases, the disease is diagnosed in adolescence. The following manifestations are characteristic of this stage:

The formation of syphilis rash, including in the genital area. In the corners of the lips, sores may appear that do not heal for a long time.
The disease affects the endocrine system of the child, internal organs and the cardiovascular system. Damage to bones and kidneys and the development of deafness are also likely. Semicircular notches are visible on the teeth.

It should be remembered that if preventive measures are taken in the early stages of pregnancy, the likelihood of having a completely healthy baby increases significantly.

Infection methods

There are several ways to get syphilis. But they are all associated with the presence of a humid environment:

Sexual contacts.
Through saliva. This can happen at the dentist's office or, for example, with a kiss, if there are microdamages to the oral mucosa.
Through the blood. The reason may be the reuse of medical instruments that carry the blood of an infected person.
In utero. From an infected mother to a child.
Through breast milk. A woman who has been diagnosed with syphilis is not allowed to breastfeed.
Through the patient’s personal belongings. This is possible when using personal hygiene products of an infected person, especially during the presence of a rash characteristic of syphilis.
All external rashes in a patient are very contagious. Therefore, if there is any damage to the skin, there is a risk of infection from touching the syphilis carrier.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of this disease should take place in a medical institution. Only a doctor can know how to identify syphilis in a person, because external signs alone are not enough to make an accurate diagnosis. Many of the signs inherent in the disease can be confused with the manifestations of other diseases.

Next, we consider how to identify syphilis, diagnostic methods and studies used in this case:

First of all, if there are possible signs, as well as if you suspect an infection, you should consult a dermatovenerologist. He will conduct an examination and collect an anamnesis. Since there are currently a large number of diagnostic methods, it is the doctor who decides which analysis will identify syphilis in this particular case best.
Next, tests are assigned to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor, knowing how long it is possible to detect syphilis, will give recommendations on this subject. Indeed, too early laboratory diagnosis often gives the wrong result.
Instrumental diagnostic methods are no less important than laboratory ones, because they help to identify the degree of damage to internal organs. These include: ultrasound, radiography, MRI or CT.

So what analysis reveals syphilis? Consider the most informative of them:

Bacteriological examination (microscopic). Using this method, the wet contents of the rashes are studied. You can determine the presence of treponema visually. In most cases, this method is applicable in the primary stage of the disease.
Direct ways to detect bacteria. The most common method is PCR, which allows you to detect the DNA of a microorganism in biological material.
Sometimes a histological examination of the tissues and contents of the lymph nodes is prescribed.
A study of blood serum (the so-called serological analysis), with which antigens to bacteria are detected. This method is divided into 2 categories - treponemal and nontreponemal. Let us consider in more detail how to identify syphilis using these diagnostic measures.

For treponemal analysis, the antigen of this treponema is used. This includes ELISA, RIT analysis and others.

For a nontreponemal test, an artificial bacterial antigen is used. This category of tests is used for initial diagnosis due to their low cost. The most common are the RPR test, the RMP test and others. The principle of their action is the response of the immune reaction to the introduced antigen, for which the blood is mixed with the antigen and look at the result. If the antibodies and antigen combine, a flocculent precipitate forms. This may indicate a positive reaction to syphilis. Also, by the volume of sediment, one can judge the severity of the disease.

It is worth noting that the above methods can give false results. Much of the question of how to identify a disease depends on its stage. As an example, consider when an RPR analysis reveals syphilis.

Nontreponemal studies, including the RPR test, can give a true result in the initial period, but 1-2 weeks after the formation of chancre. Also, these tests are applicable in the secondary period. During the tertiary stage, non-treponemal tests almost always show a false negative result, so for this period it is better to use more accurate treponemal studies.

A false positive result may occur against the background of the following:

Infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis.
Diabetes.
Vasculitis.
Systemic lupus erythematosus.
Pregnancy.
Failure to comply with the rules of blood sampling.
Drinking alcohol before analysis.
Flu.
Monthly
Recent recovery. However, some tests may show a false result.

Even knowing which analysis reveals syphilis, an appointment for it must be obtained from your doctor. Only a specialist will be able to determine the most informative method in each case.

Blood sampling rules

In order for the diagnosis to be most accurate, a number of rules must be observed before blood donation:

Blood is taken on an empty stomach. Before analysis, it is allowed to drink a little water.
For 1-2 days it is forbidden to drink alcohol.
Do not smoke a few hours before analysis.
Do not take any medicine for a week before taking the blood. If this is not possible, a laboratory technician must be warned.
Also, a few days before the analysis, do not eat fatty and spicy foods.
Do not drink coffee and tea on the day of blood collection.

Treatment

Syphilis treatment should be under close medical supervision. Therapy is prescribed depending on the stage of development of the disease and the condition of the patient. In most cases, an integrated approach is used, which includes antibiotic therapy, restorative drugs and symptomatic treatment.

In the primary and secondary periods, timely treatment brings positive results, while in the tertiary, the percentage of recovery is too low. This is due to extensive organ damage and bone deformities. In this case, therapy is aimed at relieving symptoms.

Treatment takes place in a hospital. The following types of drugs are used:

Antibiotics. In most cases, penicillin drugs or cephalosporins are used, which have proven themselves in getting rid of bacteria. Tetracyclines or bismuth-based preparations may also be added.
General strengthening therapy includes the use of immunomodulators, enzymes and vitamin complexes.
In the treatment of symptomatic manifestations, painkillers, antipyretic drugs are used.
Also, the doctor may prescribe special ointments to more quickly get rid of the rash.

During pregnancy, only penicillin preparations are allowed.

To obtain an effective treatment result, it is necessary to adhere to all the doctor's recommendations. Self-medication is prohibited.

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine that can permanently protect against syphilis infection. The only protection against the disease will be the prevention of its occurrence:

The most important thing is to exclude casual sexual intercourse.
Use protective equipment (condoms).
If unprotected sexual intercourse still occurred, you need to treat the genital tract with an antiseptic as soon as possible, for example, Miramistin.
Do not use other people's hygiene products.
Use only disposable or thoroughly sanitized medical instruments.
Periodically donate blood for STDs, especially when planning pregnancy and during the period of gestation.

Conclusion

Syphilis is a very dangerous disease that, without proper treatment, in most cases leads to death. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely treatment is very important. In order for the analysis result to be as accurate as possible, it is important to know how much syphilis can be detected.

If suspicious signs appear, consult a doctor immediately. Compliance with preventive measures and timely medical attention when the first symptoms occur will reduce the development of complications to a minimum and completely get rid of the disease.

How can syphilis be detected: symptoms, stages and diagnosis