Tertiary syphilis, also known as late syphilis, is the last stage of infection by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, in which the bacteria has not been properly identified or controlled in the early stages of infection, remaining and multiplying in the blood, allowing its spread to other organisms.
Thus, the symptoms of tertiary syphilis appear years after the first signs and symptoms of syphilis, and are linked to progressive inflammation caused by the presence of the bacteria, resulting in the involvement of several organs and the appearance of various signs and symptoms of the bacteria. infection phase.
- It is important that tertiary syphilis is identified and treated according to the doctor’s recommendations.
- Because this way it can not only prevent transmission to other people.
- But also promote the elimination of bacteria and reduce symptoms.
- Thus improving the quality of the disease.
- Life.
Symptoms of tertiary syphilis may appear 2 to 40 years after the onset of the first symptoms of primary syphilis and are mainly related to the spread of bacteria in the bloodstream and multiplication in other organs. In general, the main signs and symptoms associated with tertiary syphilis are:
Symptoms of tertiary syphilis appear gradually due to inflammation caused by the persistent presence of bacteria in the body, leading to dysfunction of several organs and can lead to death if not identified and treated. Thus, as soon as any signs or symptoms indicative of tertiary syphilis are checked, it is important to see the infectious disease specialist or the GP to check the assessment, confirm the diagnosis and start treatment.
Tertiary syphilis is most often identified after the onset of signs and symptoms of these stages of the disease, and the person should see the infectious disease specialist or general practitioner for testing and confirmation of infection.
Among the tests indicated to identify Treponema pallidum infection is the VDRL test that checks the level of antibodies against bacteria circulating in the blood, thus determining the severity of the infection. Understand how the VDRL exam is performed.
Treatment of tertiary syphilis is carried out with the aim of reducing the amount and promoting the elimination of the bacteria responsible for the disease, preventing it from continuing to proliferate and spreading to other organs. Thus, the doctor indicates at least 3 injections of penicillin, with an interval of 7 days between doses, as well as the use of other antibiotics, such as Doxycycline and/or Tetracycline, in some cases. See more details on treating syphilis.
However, because more severe symptoms are identified in tertiary syphilis, your doctor may recommend other treatments to treat complications, thus promoting a person’s quality of life.
It is important that the person perform VDRL regularly to see if the treatment is effective, otherwise the dose of the drug can be adjusted.
Learn more about syphilis in the video below: