Syphilis

I INTRODUCTION Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum and usually transmitted by sexual contact or kissing. Infection from contaminated objects is infrequent, because drying quickly kills the organisms. A fetus carried by a woman with syphilis may contract the disease, a condition called congenital syphilis. II HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Paul Ehrlich German bacteriologist Paul Ehrlich won the 1908 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine. Ehrlich put forth fundamental theories explaining the chemistry …

…of which is the VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory) test. The preferred drug for treatment is benzathine penicillin, which is given in two injections one week apart for all stages but neurosyphilis. For this advanced stage, the antibiotic is given three times at weekly intervals. Syphilis control includes tracking down all sexual contacts of infected persons and treating those who had contact during the infectious period. Use of condoms offers some protection against contracting syphilis.