​Syphilis​

​Syphilis is a bacterial infection and a sexually transmitted disease. It spreads through sexual activity including oral and anal sex. Prolonged kissing can also cause these bacteria to transmit between partners. Syphilis typically starts with a painless sore on your rectum, mouth, penis or vagina. Syphilis spreads by the skin or mucous membrane coming in contact with these sores. After the initial infection, the bacteria can lie dormant inside the body for over a decade before it starts to show symptoms. During this time, the infected individual can inadvertently pass on the infection to their partners.

If syphilis is not cured, it can badly affect the heart, brain and lungs and cause other detrimental problems to the health. This may include blindness and arthritis which stresses on the fact that syphilis should be treated as soon as it is identified.

This disease can occur at any age or phase of life. Pregnant women with the disease can spread it to their babies. This develops a congenital syphilis in the baby which can cause abnormalities or even death.

Syphilis does not spread by using toilet seats of the infected, or using door knobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bath tubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils. It is only transferred through any and all kinds of sexual activity.​​​


The symptoms of syphilis vary depending on the stage of the infection. The disease progresses through the following stages:

  • Primary Syphilis:
    • A painless sore (chancre) appears at the site of infection, such as the genitals, mouth, or anus, usually 3 weeks after exposure.
    • The sore may heal on its own within a few weeks, but the bacteria remain in the body.
    • Swollen lymph nodes near the sore may also occur.
  • Secondary Syphilis:
    • Skin rashes, often on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
    • Mucous membrane lesions in the mouth, throat, or genital area.
    • Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.
    • Hair loss (patchy alopecia) and weight loss.
  • Latent Syphilis:
    • A symptom-free stage where the infection remains dormant in the body.
    • Latency can last for years, and the infection may or may not progress to the tertiary stage.
  • Tertiary Syphilis:
    • Can develop years or even decades after initial infection if untreated.
    • Severe damage to organs such as the heart, brain, nerves, liver, bones, and joints.
    • Neurological problems (neurosyphilis) and cardiovascular complications.​

Consult our Infectious Diseases or Dermatology experts if you experience:

  • A sore or lesion on the genitals, mouth, or rectum that does not heal.
  • Rashes on the hands, feet, or other parts of the body.
  • Unexplained fever, swollen lymph nodes, or fatigue.
  • If you have had unprotected sex with a new or multiple partners.
  • If you are pregnant, as syphilis can be transmitted to the baby.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of complications.​
Your time with your doctor may be limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​

Diagnosing syphilis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, including:

  • Physical Examination: Inspecting sores, rashes, or other visible signs of syphilis.
  • Blood Tests: Detecting antibodies that the body produces in response to Treponema pallidum. Common tests include:
    • Nontreponemal tests (RPR, VDRL) to screen for infection.
    • Treponemal tests (FTA-ABS, TP-PA) to confirm infection.
  • Dark-Field Microscopy: Examining fluid from a syphilis sore under a microscope to detect bacteria.
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Test: A lumbar puncture may be performed if neurosyphilis is suspected.​

Syphilis is easily treatable in its early stages with antibiotics. Treatment options include:

  • Penicillin Injections:
    • A single intramuscular dose of benzathine penicillin G is the standard treatment for primary, secondary, or early latent syphilis.
    • For late latent or tertiary syphilis, multiple doses may be required.
    • In patients allergic to penicillin, alternatives such as doxycycline or azithromycin may be used.
  • Follow-up Testing:
    • Blood tests are conducted at regular intervals to monitor treatment effectiveness.
    • Sexual partners should be informed and tested to prevent reinfection.
  • Preventative Measures:
    • Practicing safe sex and regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
    • Pregnant women should be screened early to prevent congenital syphilis.​

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialised clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the 'Numbers' section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatment costs and authorise admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the 'Numbers' section on the website homepage.​

Your doctor or nurse will provide specific instructions regarding any prescribed medications. It is essential to follow their guidance carefully. Self-prescribing or altering medication without professional advice can be harmful. Inform your healthcare provider of any past adverse reactions to medications. If you experience symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose, or a severe reaction, contact the Pharmacy Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. The contact number is listed in the 'Numbers' section on the hospital's homepage.

​ 


​The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.