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Tertiary syphilis, also known as late syphilis, corresponds to the last stage of infection by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, in which the bacterium was not identified or combated correctly in the first stages of the infection, remaining and multiplying in the bloodstream, making it possible for it to spread to other organs.
Thus, the symptoms of tertiary syphilis appear years after the first signs and symptoms of syphilis appear, and are related to the progressive inflammation caused by the presence of the bacterium, resulting in the involvement of several organs and the appearance of various signs and symptoms of this phase of infection.
It is important that tertiary syphilis is identified and treated according to the doctor's recommendation, as this way it is possible to avoid not only transmitting it to other people, but also promoting the elimination of the bacteria and reducing symptoms, improving the quality of life.
Symptoms of tertiary syphilis
Symptoms of tertiary syphilis can appear 2 to 40 years after the first symptoms of primary syphilis appear and are mainly related to the spread of the bacteria through the bloodstream and multiplication in other organs. In general, the main signs and symptoms related to tertiary syphilis are:
- Emergence of ulcerated lesions on the skin, which can also reach the bones;
- Neurosyphilis, in which the bacteria reaches the brain or spinal cord;
- Meningitis;
- Convulsions;
- Cardiac changes due to the proliferation of bacteria in the heart and blood vessels;
- Hearing Loss;
- Blindness;
- Frequent nausea and vomiting;
- Mental confusion and memory loss.
The symptoms of tertiary syphilis appear progressively due to inflammation caused by the persistent presence of the bacteria in the body, which leads to the dysfunction of several organs and can result in death if it is not identified and treated.Thus, as soon as the presence of any signs or symptoms indicative of tertiary syphilis is verified, it is important to go to the infectologist or general practitioner to make the assessment, confirm the diagnosis and start treatment.
How the diagnosis is made
Tertiary syphilis is most often identified after the signs and symptoms of these stages of the disease appear, and the person must go to the infectologist or general practitioner for tests to be done and the infection to be confirmed.
Among the tests indicated to identify infection by Treponema pallidum is the VDRL exam in which the level of antibodies against the bacteria circulating in the blood is checked, thus being possible to determine the severity of the infection. Understand how the VDRL exam is done.
Treatment for tertiary syphilis
Treatment for tertiary syphilis is done with the aim of decreasing the amount and promoting the elimination of the bacteria responsible for the disease, preventing it from continuing to proliferate and spread to other organs. Thus, at least 3 penicillin injections are indicated by the doctor, 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 about the treatment for syphilis.
However, as in tertiary syphilis more severe symptoms are identified, the doctor may recommend other treatments in order to treat complications, promoting the person's quality of life.
It is important that the person performs the VDRL exam regularly in order to verify if the treatment performed is being effective, otherwise the dose of the medication may be adjusted.
Check out more information about syphilis in the following video: