Syphilis is a chronic infection that evolves into distinct stages of primary, secondary, latent and tertiary infection. These stages determine different clinical symptoms, generally producing an initial lesion
Syphilis is a chronic infection that evolves into distinct stages of primary, secondary, latent and tertiary infection. These stages determine different clinical symptoms, generally producing an initial lesion known as syphiloma, which then evolves into a syphilitic eruption followed by long latency periods. If left untreated, the infection can cause cardiovascular problems and neurosyphilis.
The infection is caused by a bacterium of the spirochetes order, Treponema pallidum; it is, generally, sexually transmitted, although the disease can also be transmitted by infected blood transfusions. Intrauterine infections are also possible.
The diagnosis is based on the use of four test categories: direct microscopic examination, direct antigen test, non-treponemic antibody test and treponemic antibody test.
TPHA test, which determines the presence of specific anti-treponemic antibodies, is widely used for the screening of syphilis.
