Health encyclopaedia

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Syphilis

Syphilis is an uncommon sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious problems if left untreated.

The infection is characterised by an ulcer, known as a chancre, that appears where the bacteria first entered the body. Syphilis is passed from person to person by direct contact with a syphilitic ulcer. The bacteria can also be passed through the placenta during pregnancy, this is known as congenital syphilis.

The ulcer or ulcers typically appear 2-3 weeks after infection and last for around 6 weeks, after which they disappear. This stage is known as primary syphilis. However, the infection remains in the body and can spread, causing secondary syphilis to develop. The third stage of syphilis (tertiary syphilis) can cause very serious damage to body systems and organs, and cause death.

Recorded cases of syphilis have increased substantially in England recently and there have been some localised outbreaks, mainly amongst drug users and people with HIV.

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