syphilis
/'sifilis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A sexually transmitted infection: Syphilis is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is primarily spread through sexual contact.
- A disease with progressive stages: The disease is known for its distinct stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary), each with different symptoms, which can develop over many years if untreated.
- A congenital condition: Syphilis can be transmitted from a pregnant person to their fetus, resulting in congenital syphilis, which can cause severe health problems for the newborn.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The patient was diagnosed with syphilis after a routine blood test.
- Public health campaigns aim to reduce the spread of syphilis.
- Congenital syphilis is a preventable cause of stillbirth and infant mortality.
Advanced Usage
- "to contract syphilis": to become infected with the disease.
- He contracted syphilis several years ago but was successfully treated.
- "to test positive for syphilis": to have a medical test confirm the presence of the infection.
- All pregnant individuals are screened to ensure they do not test positive for syphilis.
- "tertiary syphilis": refers to the late, most severe stage of the disease, which can damage internal organs.
- Before antibiotics, many patients suffered from the devastating effects of tertiary syphilis.
Variants and Related Words
- Syphilitic (adj): relating to or affected with syphilis.
- The doctor identified a syphilitic lesion.
- Neurosyphilis (n): a complication of syphilis where the infection affects the nervous system.
- The patient's cognitive decline was attributed to neurosyphilis.
Synonyms
- Lues (n): an archaic medical term for syphilis.
- The pox (n, informal/historical): a historical, non-specific term that often referred to syphilis.
Related Phrases
- Primary syphilis: The first stage, typically marked by a single sore (chancre) at the site of infection.
- Secondary syphilis: The second stage, often involving skin rashes and mucous membrane lesions.
- Latent syphilis: A period where the infection is present but shows no visible symptoms.
Noun
- a common venereal disease caused by the treponema pallidum spirochete; symptoms change through progressive stages; can be congenital (transmitted through the placenta)