This web page was produced as an assignment for an undergraduate course at Davidson College.
Treatment
Syphilis can be treated with penicillin. Penicillin is involved with cell wall synthesis pathways and therefore interferes the production of cell walls within susceptible bacteria.
Usually it is administered by injection.
Once the injection has been adminstered, the host no longer transmits syphilis 24 hours after beginning treatment.
Some patients do not respond to the treatment and so periodic blood tests are requested to see if the bacteria has been irradicated or still living.
Right now scientists are trying to fins a safe, effective, single-dose oral antibiotic treatment for those 10% of the population who are allergic to penicillin.
Once the disease reaches the later stages however, if there has been organ damage the effects are irreversible even with treatment.
Prevention
If you know of someone who has syphilis you can limit your exposure to them and any open sores they may have. Anyone with syphilis should have limited exposure to others especially while they have open sores and rashes.
Another effective method is to wear a condom when having sexual intercourse.
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Any questions, comments, or concerns please email at stdouglass@davidson.edu