Syphilis might seem like a disease of the past, but its most severe phase, late stage syphilis, or tertiary syphilis, remains a critical health issue today.
From its symptoms to preventive measures, here’s what you need to know about it.
What is late stage syphilis?
Late stage syphilis, also known as tertiary syphilis, is the most severe phase of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
This stage can occur years or even decades after the initial infection if it remains untreated. Unlike the earlier stages of syphilis, which may present with more recognizable symptoms such as sores or rashes, late stage syphilis can lead to serious health complications that affect multiple organ systems.
How is late stage syphilis diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will diagnose late stage syphilis by a combination of blood tests and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
Blood tests detect antibodies against the Treponema pallidum bacterium, which indicate an infection.
If your healthcare provider suspects that the syphilis has affected the nervous system, such as in the case of neurosyphilis, they will conduct a cerebrospinal fluid analysis to assess the presence of the bacterium in your spinal fluid.
These diagnostic tools guide the appropriate treatment plan to manage and mitigate the severe health complications associated with this advanced stage of the infection.
What are the symptoms of late stage syphilis?
Late stage syphilis manifests through a range of severe symptoms, depending on which body system is mostly affected.
These symptoms include:
- Gummas. These are soft tumor-like growths that can appear on your skin or internal organs, which signal the disease’s extensive progression.
- Neurological issues. These include paralysis and dementia, which indicate the onset of neurosyphilis, a grave complication affecting your brain and nerves.
- Cardiovascular problems. Cardiovascular issues, such as aortitis, are proof of the infection’s harmful effects on the heart and blood vessels, which can potentially lead to life-threatening complications.
- Vision changes. Late stage syphilis can also lead to vision changes or complete blindness.
What causes late stage syphilis?
If you’re infected with syphilis, the first stages may present mild symptoms or even go unnoticed.
If not treated, the bacteria Treponema pallidum continues to live in your body and the disease will progress silently.
Over time, it can cause severe damage to different organs, specifically the following:
- Heart
- Brain
- Nervous system
How can late stage syphilis be treated?
Your healthcare provider may create a treatment plan involving high-dose penicillin injection over several weeks. This antibiotic regimen is effective in killing the Treponema pallidum bacterium, even at this advanced stage of the disease.
If you’re allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline are recommended.
While these treatments can eliminate the bacterium and prevent further damage, they may not reverse damage already inflicted on your organs and nervous system.
What are the complications associated with untreated late stage syphilis?
Having untreated late stage syphilis can increase your chances of developing severe and life-altering complications.
- Permanent damage to the brain and nerves. If the condition develops into neurosyphilis, you may also develop dementia and paralysis.
- Heart failure. This can occur due to damaged blood vessels and conditions like aortitis. This cardiovascular complication arises from the syphilis bacterium infiltrating and weakening your vascular system.
- Severe disability or death. These are the final and most grave complications of untreated late stage syphilis. The extensive damage to major organ systems can be irreversible.
How can you prevent late stage syphilis?
To prevent the progression and avoid the severe complications of late stage syphilis, the most crucial thing you can do is early detection and treatment in its initial stages.
- Regular STD screenings, especially if you’re part of high-risk groups
- Usage of condoms during sexual activity
- Education on the signs and prevention of syphilis
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of late stage syphilis?
Late stage syphilis symptoms include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness and dementia.
This stage can occur years or decades after the initial infection.
How is late stage syphilis diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider may conduct a physical examination, review of medical history and specific blood tests to detect antibodies against the syphilis bacteria.
What are the long-term effects of untreated late stage syphilis?
Untreated late stage syphilis can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, brain and nerve problems, blindness and even death.
Key takeaway
Late stage syphilis, or tertiary syphilis, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated, arising years after initial infection with the syphilis bacterium. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the severe complications associated with this advanced stage.
Do regular screenings, practice safe sexual practices, and undergo timely medical intervention to reduce the risk of progression to late stage syphilis
