A Review on Syphilis: Clinical Manifestation and Epidemiology

Abstract

Syphilis is a persistent infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum prevalent in low-income countries but rare in middle- and high-income countries. T. pallidum is known for its invasiveness and immune evasion; its clinical symptoms are produced by local inflammatory responses to replicating spirochetes and are often confused with other diseases. The spirochete has a prolonged latent phase in which people might be infected even if they don't display any symptoms. Individuals, as well as the entire population, are affected by the sickness. Only one drug, penicillin, is recommended for the treatment of syphilis, and response to therapy is evaluated by changes in serological test titers over months. Despite the availability of simple diagnostic tests and the effectiveness of treatment with a single dose of long-acting penicillin, syphilis is emerging as a global public health problem. This is especially true among guys in high- and middle-income countries who have sex with men. Even though syphilis is a long-standing disease with well-established treatment ideas, diagnosis and therapy can be difficult due to the wide variety of symptoms and the difficulty of interpreting serological tests. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target of lowering syphilis incidence by 90% by 2030, but progress is slow. Countries can reduce the prevalence of syphilis by ensuring detection, treatment, and referral of infections by partners.