Lecture on Syphilis by Professor D

Introduction

• Continuation of series on sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Focus: Syphilis
• Support for channel: like, subscribe, and check audio lessons on website

Overview of Syphilis

• Definition: Sexually transmitted bacterial infection
• Serious Long-term Complications: Untreated can lead to death
• Treatment: Antibiotics (less than $5), but often not administered in time

Etiology and Pathophysiology

• Transmission: Direct contact with syphilitic lesions (canker)
  • Lesions can occur on genitalia, anus, lips, vagina, rectum, mouth, or tongue
• Pregnancy Risks: Infected pregnant women can transmit to fetus, leading to stillbirth or neonatal complications (seizures, death)

Clinical Manifestations

• Symptomatic Nature: Often asymptomatic; called “The Great Pretender” due to mimicry of other diseases
• Complications Without Treatment:
  • Late Syphilis: Irreparable damage to skin, bone, liver
  • Cardiovascular Syphilis: Aneurysms, aortic valve scarring
  • Neurosyphilis: CNS invasion, visual impairment, dementia
  • HIV: Syphilitic cankers enhance HIV transmission; test for both if positive

Diagnostic Studies

• Blood Tests:
  • VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Lab)
  • RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagent): Most common

Management

• Antibiotic Therapy: Penicillin G benzathine
  • If Allergic to Penicillin: Use doxycycline or tetracycline
  • Pregnant Women: Test for HCG before giving tetracycline
• Confidential Counseling & Testing: For HIV and repeated tests at 6 and 12 months
• Sexual Contacts: Treat all sexual contacts from preceding 90 days presumptively
• Follow-up Testing: Every 6 months for up to 2 years

Nursing Interventions

• Safe Sex Practices:
  • Abstinence, monogamy, avoiding high-risk behaviors, correct condom use
  • Encourage inspection of partner’s genitalia
  • Condoms: Highly effective barrier
• Patient Education:
  • Explain precautions (condoms/barriers, monogamy, partner's sexual history, avoiding IV drug users and partners with visible lesions)
  • Post-sex hygiene: Voiding and washing genital area
  • Importance of taking all prescribed medications
  • Treating all sexual partners to prevent reinfection
  • Abstain from sex during treatment

Conclusion

• Recap of key points on syphilis
• Encouragement to engage with content and provide feedback
• Reminder of additional resources on website and other social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook)