Oddly, some dementia caused by syphilis is preceded by a phase of mania and euphoria in which patients feel excitable and "high," often with relaxed inhibitions (Hayden, 2003).
In the United States today, syphilis rarely progresses beyond the first or second stage since treatment is widely available. Upon diagnosis, antibiotics such as penicillin or tetracycline are administered; follow-up tests must be performed at three, six, and twelve month intervals to ensure complete removal of the infection. Syphilis is always contagious, particularly in the first and second stages, so all sexual partners should be notified and treated as well. If treated during the primary stage, syphilis is completely curable with no risk of permanent health damage. Unfortunately, initial symptoms may be mild and short-lived, so patients may avoid treatment out of ignorance, embarrassment, or oversight. (Vora, 1963) a vaccine for syphilis is currently under development and the outlook is positive (Cullen & Cameron, 2010).
Despite near elimination ten years ago, syphilis infection rates are once again on the rise, particularly among black males and male to male partners. Since these findings indicate that issues of discrimination, poverty, and homophobia are involved, experts are pushing for government interventions to promote screening and treatment among young men at risk. While syphilis among women saw a surge in the 1980s due to prostitution and cocaine use, female infections rates have been declining for the past several years. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates an increase of nearly 40% in overall cases of syphilis since 2006. (Bonifield, 2010) in addition, between 2007 and 2009, an outbreak was reported among Native Americans in Arizona; 106 cases are documented from those years, including six cases of congenital syphilis. (Johnson, Urquidi, & al, 2010) Other outbreaks have been reported in areas of California, Texas, Iowa, Ohio, Massachusetts,...
Clearly the problem is widespread and worsening; the push for a vaccine is gaining urgency.
References
A.D.A.M. (2008, 08-01). Syphilis - Tertiary. Retrieved 11-26, 2010, from health.nytimes.com: http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/syphilis-tertiary/overview.html
Baseman, J., Nichols, J., & Hayes, N. (1976). Virulent Treponema pallidum: aerobe or anaerobe. Infectious Immunity, 704-711.
Bonifield, J. (2010, 11-22). Syphilis infections up; progress made on other STDs. Retrieved 11-24, 2010, from www.cnn.com: http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/22/embargo-12p-1122-cdc-progress-on-stds/?iref=allsearch
Cullen, P., & Cameron, C. (2010, 01-10). Progress toward an effective syphilis vaccine: the past, present, and future. Retrieved 11-26, 2010, from www.expert-reviews.com: http://www.expert-reviews.com/doi/abs/10.1586/14760584.5.1.67
Hayden, D. (2003). Pain and Shame - the Triumph of the Pox... New Statesman, 29+.
Johnson, M., Urquidi, a., & al, e. (2010, 04-08). Syphilis Outbreak among American Indians -- Arizona, 2007 -- 2009. Retrieved 11-26, 2010, from www.medscape.com:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/717625
McMyne, M. (2008, 12-11). The Economy and Neurosyphilis. Retrieved 11-26, 2010, from www.thenervousbreakdown.com: http://www.thenervousbreakdown.com/mmcmyne/2008/12/the-economy-and-neurosyphilis/
NIH, s. (2009, 05-30). Syphilis. Retrieved 11-26, 2010, from www.nlm.nih.gov: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001327.htm
Romanowski, B. (1997). Syphilis: Epidemiology and control. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 171+.
Verweij, M. (2007). Ethics, Prevention and Public Health. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Vora, M. (1963, 03-24). What is V.D. Retrieved 11-26, 2010, from www.stdpioneer.org: http://www.stdpioneer.org/whatisvd.html
