Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that has been haunting humans for centuries. The disease is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, and it can cause long-term damage to the heart, brain, and other organs if not treated properly.

Recently, a new strain of syphilis has emerged that is causing blindness in some patients.

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact, including oral, anal, and vaginal sex. The disease progresses in stages, and it can be asymptomatic or cause mild to severe symptoms.

The first stage of syphilis usually causes a painless sore or ulcer at the point of infection, such as the genital area, anus, or mouth. This sore can go away on its own within a few weeks, but if left untreated, syphilis can enter the next stage, which can cause skin rashes, fever, headaches, sore throat, muscle aches, and other symptoms.

If syphilis is still untreated, it can enter the latent stage, which means the bacterium remains in the body but doesn’t cause any symptoms.

However, latent syphilis can last for years, and the disease can reemerge in the late stage, which can cause serious damage to the heart, brain, nerves, eyes, and other organs. Late-stage syphilis can cause blindness, dementia, paralysis, and death.

What is the new strain of syphilis?

The new strain of syphilis is a variant of the bacterium that has a different genetic makeup than the strains previously identified. This variant has been named the SS14-like strain, and it appears to be more aggressive than other strains.

The SS14-like strain has been linked to cases of ocular syphilis, which is a rare but severe form of late-stage syphilis that affects the eyes.

What are the symptoms of ocular syphilis?

Ocular syphilis can cause a range of symptoms depending on the severity of the infection and the affected parts of the eye. Common symptoms of ocular syphilis include:.

Blurry or distorted vision
Floaters or spots in the visual field
Eye pain or redness
Photophobia or light sensitivity
Loss of peripheral vision
Blindness

Ocular syphilis can also cause other neurological symptoms, such as headache, neck stiffness, and confusion, if the infection spreads to the brain and spinal cord.

How is the new strain of syphilis diagnosed?

The new strain of syphilis is diagnosed through a blood test that detects antibodies to the bacterium. The blood test can differentiate between different strains of Treponema pallidum, including the SS14-like strain.

However, diagnosing ocular syphilis can be challenging because the symptoms can mimic other eye diseases, such as uveitis, choroiditis, and optic neuritis. Therefore, it’s important to inform the healthcare provider about any recent sexual activity or STD history.

How is the new strain of syphilis treated?

The new strain of syphilis is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin. The treatment duration and dose depend on the stage and severity of the infection, as well as the patient’s age, health, and allergy history.

If diagnosed early, syphilis can be cured effectively with antibiotics, and the patient can avoid long-term complications. However, if left untreated or diagnosed late, syphilis can cause irreversible damage to the body and require lifelong management.

Ocular syphilis is treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics or penicillin injections, depending on the severity of the infection and the response to treatment.

Patients with ocular syphilis should also receive regular eye exams and follow-up care to monitor their visual function and prevent relapse.

How to prevent syphilis and its complications?

The best way to prevent syphilis is to practice safe sex, such as using condoms during intercourse and avoiding sexual contact with unknown partners.

Regular STD testing and treatment are also essential for preventing syphilis and stopping its transmission. Early diagnosis and treatment of syphilis can prevent long-term complications, including blindness and other neurological problems.

If you think you have been exposed to syphilis or have symptoms of the disease, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Don’t ignore the symptoms or try to self-diagnose, as syphilis can be mistaken for other infections or diseases without proper testing.

Conclusion

The emergence of the new strain of syphilis that causes blindness is a concerning development for public health. Ocular syphilis is a rare but severe complication of late-stage syphilis that can lead to permanent vision loss and neurological damage.

The new strain of syphilis, known as the SS14-like strain, appears to be more aggressive than other strains, and it’s important to diagnose and treat it promptly to prevent its spread and complications. Safe sex practices, regular STD testing, and timely treatment are essential for preventing syphilis and its long-term effects.