How long is the latency period for tertiary syphilis?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on December 29, 2024

00:00

00:00

The latency period of tertiary syphilis is not clearly defined, but it is certain that once tertiary syphilis appears, the duration of illness in patients generally exceeds two to three years, meaning the latency period is at least two to three years long. Of course, some patients may reach five to ten years. This depends on each individual's resistance as well as the virulence and amount of the virus. Additionally, if one contracts tertiary syphilis, it is crucial to seek timely and proper treatment, as it may be life-threatening.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Li Chang Yue

General Surgery

1min 4sec

home-news-image

Is cervical lymphadenopathy related to syphilis?

Enlargement of cervical lymph nodes is somewhat related to syphilis. Although cervical lymph node enlargement is not necessarily solely caused by syphilis, if syphilis progresses to its secondary or tertiary stages, it tends to cause lymph node enlargement, and severe cases may even lead to ulceration. This happens because after a syphilis infection, immune responses in the lymph cells are triggered by the Treponema pallidum, leading to the enlargement of cervical lymph nodes, and also possibly the lymph nodes under the arms and in the groin area. In such cases, it is advised to seek timely medical attention, complete the necessary immunological testing, and ensure an accurate diagnosis of syphilis. If cervical lymph node enlargement occurs, prolonged treatment with penicillin should be administered, as it effectively controls the Treponema pallidum and can help reduce the severity of the lymph node enlargement.

home-news-image

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

45sec

home-news-image

What is the typical titer for third-stage syphilis?

The titers of tertiary syphilis are generally lower than those of primary and secondary syphilis. Syphilis is divided into three stages. During the primary and secondary stages, the reactivity of the Treponema pallidum is higher, thus the titers are also higher. However, the titers for tertiary syphilis often appear lower or even negative. The level of syphilis titers is not significantly related to the duration of the illness. Interestingly, tertiary syphilis generally occurs when the disease has already progressed for more than two years, which results in lower titers.

home-news-image

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

43sec

home-news-image

Can you still have children with third-stage syphilis?

Third-stage syphilis is the most severe stage of the disease, and it is not possible to have children if one has third-stage syphilis, because syphilis can be transmitted from mother to fetus. The infectivity is particularly strong during the third stage. If a child is conceived at this time, it could lead to stillbirth. Besides stillbirth, even if the child is born by chance, they may have abnormal development or be born with diseases. This is tremendously painful and tormenting for both the parent and child. Therefore, one cannot have children with third-stage syphilis.

home-news-image

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

41sec

home-news-image

Can tertiary syphilis be breastfed?

Syphilis is a common infectious disease caused by the syphilis spirochete, with tertiary syphilis being the most severe and most infectious stage. Therefore, breastfeeding is not allowed if one has tertiary syphilis, as breastfeeding is one of the transmission routes of syphilis. If breastfeeding occurs, syphilis can potentially be transmitted to the child through the breast milk. The breast milk of syphilis patients contains syphilis spirochetes, and if a syphilis patient breastfeeds a child, it essentially means transmitting this pathogen to the newborn through the milk. Thus, syphilis patients are prohibited from breastfeeding.

home-news-image

Written by Cui Lin Jing

Dermatology

1min 4sec

home-news-image

What are the symptoms of tertiary syphilis?

Tertiary syphilis mainly occurs two to three years, or even five to ten years or longer, after infection. The primary skin manifestations are gummas, which often occur on the extensor side of the lower legs, and can present as ulcerations, erosions, nodules, and hyperplasia. It may also involve bones, joints, the heart, and blood vessels. The main manifestations include aortitis, aortic valve insufficiency, and aortic aneurysms. When the nervous system is involved, it can present as spinal tuberculosis and general paralysis, which are symptoms of paralytic dementia. The diagnosis of tertiary syphilis requires serological tests and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The treatment involves primarily penicillin and benzathine penicillin, with erythromycin or tetracycline as alternatives for patients allergic to penicillin, and requires a longer course of treatment.