Origination of the syphilis concept
How the modern concept of Syphilis originated
My experiences with the syphilis concept reflectingon reading chapters one and two along with my own perceptions gained from previous knowledge, is that it embodies a geographic origin as well as scientific. There are many observed similarities between the origin and conceptualization of syphilis with the current reigning sexually transmitted disease HIV/AIDS. They create tensions and connect me to experiences/ beliefs. For example, syphilis is caused by a bacterium, which has mutated over time with symptoms becoming less severe as the bacterium undergoes changes. In the fifteen century when the syphilis bacterium and disease conceptualization became evident, it was pandemic killing its hosts within a short period of time. There were no cures until the discovery of penicillin.
Precisely, this aspect of the disease history and conceptualization resonates with my expectations regarding delivery of scientific data regarding origin of disease. The diseases pathology and epidemiology are phenomenal as sexually transmitted disorders. In the same way as HIV/AIDS is still incurable, similarly syphilis bacterium cure was not expressed until penicillin discovery. The area of real tension, though, relates to when the author describes syphiology as a disease entity. This modern perception of syphilis brings scientists closer to embracing an understanding of similar origin conceptualizations between HIV/AIDS and the disease. I agree that syphilis presentation as it pertains to origin is a disease entity.
Disease entity has always been a theoretical concept in that explains precise steps in disease origin. For example, from my belief system it was discovered that the concepts disease entity and pathologicity describe the disease itself. If this is so then once the disease is found it is very close to discovering its origin be it geographical or scientifically. Further, assumptions are that the connected concepts etiological factors; natural disease course and pathological predispositions are theoretical premises that establish disease origins.This theory is compatible with the origin of syphilis and the disease entity I wish to reflect upon for emphasis, HIV/AIDS. More importantly, this brings me to confirming my belief that the syphilis concept has emerged from social ethical suppositions related to diseases caused by sexual intercourse manifesting with accompanying skin eruption symptoms.
However, I am very surprised and disagree with the readings whereby Fleck links disease origin concept when discussing syphilis, to public opinion and individuality as it pertains to perceiving a label or concept for syphilis. This raises deep concerns for me because while many very important people inclusive of soldiers contracted syphilis, as its origin was researched due to its sexual etiology the concept carried stigmatization with it. There are cultural connotations to its origin, which seemed to have been bypassed in Fleck’s discussion. If scientists were to advance an argument implicating public opinion then, cultural influences upon the origin regarding conceptualization must be embraced too.
My inquiry focuses on gaining an understanding into the origin of syphilis from a medical/scientific and anthropological background. Fleck reflects a historical perception linking the origin of syphilis to a prehistoric era, which can only be proven through anthropological investigation. Scientists are attempting to trace the origin of HIV/AIDS to a time way beyond when it was discovered conducting pathological studies on dead bodies. The disease entity concept has a strong evidence of syphilis origin.
References
Harper, N. Zuckerman, M., & Harper, M.( 2011). The origin and antiquity of syphilis revisited:
An Appraisal of Old World pre-Columbian evidence for treponemal infection. American
Hucklenbroich, P. (2015) Disease Entity as the Key Theoretical Concept of Medicine. Journal
of Medicine and Philosophy, 39(6); 24-32
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