Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which enters the body through direct contact with the wound. This wound is called hard cancer, does not hurt and when pressed releases a highly infectious clear liquid. Usually, this wound appears on the genitals of the man or the woman.
The main form of transmission of syphilis is the intimate contact with the infected person, since it is transmissible through the secretions and fluids of the organism. But it can also be transmitted from the mother to the baby during pregnancy, either through the placenta or through normal birth, through the use of contaminated syringes during the use of illicit drugs and also through blood transfusion with contaminated blood.
So, to protect yourself, it is recommended:
- Use a condom in every intimate contact;
- If you see someone with the syphilis sore do not touch the wound and advise the person to do the treatment;
- Take exams before pregnancy and prenatal care during pregnancy to make sure you do not have syphilis;
- Do not use illicit drugs;
- If you have syphilis always treat and avoid intimate contact until it is cured.
When the bacteria enter the body it enters the bloodstream and lymphatic system, which can lead to the involvement of several internal organs and if not treated correctly can affect the central nervous system causing irreversible damage, such as deafness and blindness.
Its treatment is fast and simple, just a few doses of intramuscular penicillin according to the clinical stage of the disease but these should always be recommended by the doctor.
