Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, can lead to severe organ damage if left untreated. The disease progresses through several stages, each presenting with different symptoms and risks.
In its primary and secondary stages, syphilis may show relatively mild symptoms. However, without proper treatment, it can advance to the latent and tertiary stages, where it becomes particularly dangerous.
The tertiary stage of syphilis is where the most severe organ damage occurs.
How does syphilis cause organ damage?
Initially, the Treponema pallidum bacterium causes harm by invading your bodily tissues directly.
As the infection progresses, it triggers a strong immune response, which leads to inflammation. Since the inflammation isn’t just localized, it spreads and affects different organs and causes widespread damage.
Over time, the repeated cycles of inflammation result in scarring and loss of function in the affected organs.
What organs can syphilis damage?
The progressive stages of syphilis target and damage several critical organs, each with potentially devastating health consequences.
- Heart and blood vessels. Syphilis can lead to severe complications in the cardiovascular system, which include conditions like aortic aneurysm and aortitis.
- Brain and nervous system. The damage here can be particularly severe, with outcomes such as meningitis, stroke and general paresis.
- Liver. Syphilis can lead to hepatitis and fibrosis, both of which can impair your liver’s ability to function and detoxify the body effectively.
- Eyes. Advanced syphilis can lead to complications like uveitis and retinitis. These eye conditions can range from painful inflammation to severe vision impairment or even blindness.
What are the symptoms of syphilis-related organ damage?
Here are the syphilis-related organ damage symptoms that you may experience, depending on which organ is being affected:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Confusion
- Jaundice
- Fatigue
- Vision changes
- Eye pain
How is syphilis organ damage diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider may order different blood tests and imaging studies to accurately assess the damage extent of syphilis.
These blood tests may include:
- RPR (Rapid plasma reagin). This screening test detects antibodies produced in response to the syphilis bacterium.
- FTA-ABS (Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption). This confirmatory test is used to detect specific antibodies to the Treponema pallidum
Meanwhile, the imaging studies may include:
- This is used to evaluate potential damage to the heart and its functionality.
- MRI or CT scan. This assesses any brain damage by providing detailed images of the brain’s structure.
Lastly, your healthcare provider may collect cerebrospinal fluid from your spinal canal to diagnose neurosyphilis.
What treatments are available for syphilis organ damage?
The treatment for organ damage caused by syphilis starts with treating syphilis first.
To treat both early and advanced stages of syphilis, your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics, particularly penicillin. If you’re allergic to penicillin, your doctor may prescribe doxycycline as an alternative.
In addition to antibiotic therapy, you may need supportive care tailored to specific organ damage. This may include cardiac surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm and corticosteroids to reduce severe inflammation.
How can syphilis organ damage be prevented?
Before syphilis can advance and bring about organ damage, it’s crucial for you to prevent having it or detecting it early, if you acquire it. Here are what you can do to prevent syphilis:
- Regular screening. This is essential to catch and treat the infection early, particularly if you’re part of high-risk groups.
- Safe sex practices. Use condoms or limit the number of your sexual partners to reduce the risk of acquiring syphilis.
- Prompt treatment. Early intervention can prevent the disease from advancing to stages that cause organ damage.
If you’re diagnosed with syphilis, it’s also recommended to undergo HIV testing as co-infection can affect treatment plans and outcomes.
When to see a doctor
It’s imperative to seek medical attention if you notice symptoms indicative of syphilis, such as:
- Sores
- Rashes
- Unexplained lesions
This is important especially if you’ve had unprotected sex or if your partner has been diagnosed with syphilis. For pregnant individuals, testing for syphilis is important to prevent severe outcomes for the unborn child.
If you think you have syphilis or had a recent exposure, you can use a rapid test in the privacy of your home.
Frequently asked questions
What organs can syphilis damage if left untreated?
Untreated syphilis can cause severe damage to the heart, brain, eyes, liver, bones and joints. This damage results from the spread of the infection throughout the body.
How does syphilis affect the cardiovascular system?
Syphilis can lead to syphilitic aortitis, which affects the aorta and can result in aneurysms or aortic valve disease.
Can syphilis cause neurological complications?
Yes, syphilis can lead to neurosyphilis, where the bacteria invade the nervous system and potentially cause stroke, meningitis, hearing loss, visual problems and dementia.
Is liver damage a possible complication of syphilis?
Yes, syphilis can cause hepatitis, which leads to liver inflammation and damage. This condition can manifest through jaundice, fatigue, and other liver-related symptoms.
What are the signs of ocular syphilis?
Ocular syphilis can present as blurry vision, vision loss, eye pain, or redness. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage.
Key takeaway
If left untreated, syphilis can cause severe damage to your heart, brain, liver, and eyes, among other organs. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent these potentially life-threatening complications and maintain your overall health.
Regular screenings and practicing safe sex are key to protecting yourself from syphilis and its associated risks.
Check out our shop for reliable STI tests to learn of your infection status from the privacy and comfort of your home.
