Syphilis is the sexually transmitted disease chosen for this research. It is caused by a spirochete bacterium known as treponema palladium. Other species of treponema palladium are subspecies pertenue which causes yaws. Also, there are caretenum and endomicum. These two organisms are responsible for the associating complications. When the organism enters the body it goes through four stages of development. They are primary, secondary, latent and finally tertiary. The final stage is when death is eminent (Radolf & Lukehart, 2008)
In relation to the United States of America statistics reveal that in 2010; 36,000 cases were discovered. 9,756 were at primary and secondary levels, leaving a total of more than 20,000 people with tertiary stage syphilis. There was a high incidence of the disease occurring in women between ages of 20-24 and men 35- 39. A slight in crease in congenital syphilis was also noted between 2008 and 2009—339 -349, respectively. Studies also revealed that 64% of men who contracted the disease had sexual intercourse with men (Kent & Romanelli, 2009).
Further, recent research has informed medical practice that when syphilis goes untreated for several years it develops into the tertiary stage. During this time it damages the brain, nerves, eyes, blood vessels; heart, liver and bones. Precise contemporary studies have confirmed that a major issue is its effects on brain tissue degeneration giving rise to early dementia. The evolving epidemiology relates a resistance of many strains of this organism to traditional penicillin administrations. As such, studies are continuing into developing treatments for newer strains of the organism in an effort to address epidemic impacts. (Karp et. al, 2009).
Importantly, the mode of entry into the body is through the vagina; penis, mouth or anus. An infected pregnant mother can transmit this bacterium through the umbilicus to her fetus. Twenty first century screening encourages early detection and treatment. Penicillin is administered for extended periods until all symptoms of sore throat, fever, swollen glands; patchy hair loss; head and muscle ache; loss of weight and lethargy, subside.
In concluding, syphilis is a public health issue comparable to HIV /AIDS epidemic. With the discovery of penicillin there is accessibility to treatment. Untreated syphilis exposes one to contracting HIV/AIDS due to open lesions of sores in the body. Serous fluid from a chancre lesion as well as blood test could verify the disease. It is advisable to take treatment immediately upon diagnosis. As the disease progresses it damages major organs and affects bodily functions severely.
Works cited
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2010.
Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, November 2010.Print
Karp, G; Schlaeffer, F, Jotkowitz, A, Riesenberg, K (2009). "Syphilis and HIV co-infection.".
European journal of internal medicine (.2009) 20 (1): 9–13.Print.
Kent ME, Romanelli F. "Reexamining syphilis: an update on epidemiology, clinical
manifestations, and management". Ann Pharmacotherapy ( 2009), 42 (2): 226–36. Print
Radolf, JD; Lukehart SA. Pathogenic Treponema: Molecular and Cellular Biology. Caister
Academic Press (2006). Print
