Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium (germ) Treponema Pallidum. During pregnancy, syphilis can pass onto an unborn child, sometimes causing birth defects or death. 

Syphilis is commonly spread by:  

• having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person (the bacteria enter the body through the tissues that line the throat, nose, rectum and vagina) 
• direct (usually intimate) contact with lesions of primary and secondary syphilis 
• close contact with an infected person’s genitals, mouth or rectum 
• during pregnancy to an unborn child or at the time of delivery 

Although much less common, it may also be spread by sharing contaminated drug equipment or through broken skin. 

Syphilis cannot be spread through contact with toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, shared clothing or eating utensils. 

After one year of being infected with syphilis, most people will no longer spread the infection. 

Testing for syphilis can be done through a medical examination and blood test. Testing may also involve further bloodwork or testing of fluid from sores to understand at which stage of the disease you might be. 

Those who are considering becoming or become pregnant should talk to their health-care provider about screening for syphilis or testing during prenatal visits. 

You should also be tested for other sexually transmitted and blood borne infections.

Syphilis can be cured and should be treated immediately with antibiotics, usually penicillin by injections. 

After treatment is finished, you must have blood tests to make sure the infection is gone. 

Avoid unprotected sexual activities that may put you at risk for re-infection until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and have been told the infection is gone. 

Untreated syphilis can spread and cause damage to your brain, heart, bones and many other organs in the body and in severe cases may cause paralysis, blindness, dementia and even death. Syphilis can pass to an unborn child during pregnancy, sometimes causing birth defects or death (stillbirth). Skin, bones, teeth, eyes, lymph glands, liver, spleen and brain can be affected. Symptoms can show soon after birth or later in life for a child.  

Individuals are at risk of getting syphilis if they have sex with an infected partner or: 

• have unprotected oral, genital or anal sexual contact 
• have multiple sexual partners 
• use drugs by injection or otherwise 
• have had syphilis before or have another STBBI such as HIV 
• have experienced homelessness and lived on the streets

Individuals who are sexually active should: 

• limit the number of sexual partners and avoid sex with people whose sexual history is unknown 
• always use condoms when having sex (vaginal, oral, or anal) - a dental dam (a sheet of latex or a male condom cut open) should be used for oral sex 
• avoid the use of alcohol and other drugs that might cloud thinking and lead to high-risk behaviour 

Contact your local sexual health clinic, or your primary care provider with any questions, for testing, or for further education about syphilis. Public Health recommends that all sexually active New Brunswickers have testing for all sexually transmitted diseases at the same time and on a regular basis. When you “test for one, test for all,” you will be tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis, syphilis, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV/AIDS.

If you are diagnosed with syphilis, your health-care provider may ask a regional Public Health nurse to contact you to support you in contacting your partners. It may be necessary to test all sexual partners you have had in the year before you were diagnosed with the disease. Your long-term partners and children may also need to be tested in some circumstances. All discussions are strictly confidential.  

For more information, contact your health-care provider, Tele-Care 811, your local Public Health office or visit Testing and treatment for STBBIs.