What it means
A bacterial sexually transmitted infectionSEK-shoo-uh-lee trans-MIT-id in-FEK-shunAn infection passed from one person to another mainly through sexual contact.Full entry that moves through stages. Primary syphilis brings a painless sore (chancre) where the germ entered; secondary syphilis a rash, often on the palms and soles, and flu-like illness; then a hidden (latent) stage; and years later, in some, tertiary syphilis that damages the brain, heart and other organs. It can pass to a baby during pregnancy (congenital syphilis). Penicillin cures it.
For the nurse
Pregnant clients are screened for syphilis. Teach that partners need testing and treatment and that sex should wait until treatment is complete. Report cases as public health rules require.
At a glance
| Spanish | sífilis |
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Related terms
sexually transmitted infection
An infection passed from one person to another mainly through sexual contact.
gonorrhea
A bacterial infection, spread mainly through sex, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
screening
Testing people who have no symptoms to find a disease or risk early.
Chlamydia
A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis; also the name of the bacterium.