Health News

Syphilis return of pleasure epidemic

Increase in syphilis infections in Germany

07/02/2012

The number of syphilis diseases has skyrocketed in Germany last year. Experts warn against a return of the venereal disease, which was already almost forgotten. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported an increase in syphilis disease in 2011 by 22 percent compared to the previous year.

Viviane Bremer, a syphilis expert at the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin, was shown by the massive increase in syphilis infections „The numbers were stable in recent years and even relatively low in 2010. "Especially in large cities such as Cologne, Munich, Hamburg or Berlin, the RKI recorded in 2011 a significant increase in syphilis diseases.

Massive increase in syphilis diseases, especially in large cities
After the number of syphilis diseases stagnated at a relatively low level over the years, a massive increase in new infections can be observed in 2011. The so-called „syphilis“ logs back. With an increase of 22 percent to 3,698 syphilis infections in 2011, the spread of STD has reached the 1986 level, according to RKI. In large cities in particular, there was often a significant increase in reported new infections. The syphilis expert of the RKI explained that the exact reasons for this were unknown. Also with regard to the gender-specific distribution of the diseases Viviane Bremer held back with explanations. „It mainly affects men who have sex with men. But now to conclude that a more carefree behavior spreads, is speculation, "says Bremer, according to RKI go „84 percent of all information on the probable route of infection“ back to sexual contacts between men.

Syphilis increases the risk of HIV infection
Since syphilis also increases the risk of HIV infection, the experts were particularly worried. The mucosal damage occurring during the course of the disease facilitate the pathogens' entry into the organism and thus promote HIV infection. So far, although there is no increase in HIV infections, but the actual impact „We can only estimate with a time delay, in one to two years“, explained Viviane Bremer. In this context, Armin Schafberger of the German AIDS Aid emphasized that not only the development of syphilis infections causes concern in sexually transmitted diseases, „However, in order to avoid negative effects of the rise of syphilis diseases on the development of HIV infections, the German AIDS-AIDS will help „Strengthen aspirations of recent years“, that is, intensify the Enlightenment and call for increased syphilis testing. For frequently changing partners, Armin Schafberger recommends a blood test at least once or twice a year. The results of this test are treated anonymously, even if there is a general obligation to report syphilis.

Signs of syphilis infection
Possible signs of syphilis infection are reddish ulcers on the genitals or where the pathogens could invade the organism. In the early stages, these ulcers are usually not accompanied by pain, but give off an aqueous fluid containing the syphilis pathogen, the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Upon contact with the fluid threatens a transmission of the disease. About two months after the infection sufferers usually suffer from flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache and body aches. The lymph nodes swell and it develops an itchy rash. In the long term, the pathogens spread more and more in the body and also affect other organs such as the lungs, the esophagus, the stomach or the liver. In addition, inflammation of the brain can occur in the long term, leading to paralysis or dementia in the worst case.

Good treatment options for early diagnosis of syphilis
An early diagnosis of syphilis is therefore particularly important, especially since there is a good chance of recovery if therapy is started immediately. The pathogens are extremely sensitive to the use of penicillin. However, failure to treat „drag on the disease for decades“, however, syphilis is „Only in isolated cases is it recognized so late that permanent brain damage remains, "said Viviane Bremer.To minimize the risk of syphilis infection, the expert recommends the use of condoms, because the disease is highly contagious in direct contact „Condoms important, but give no 100 percent protection“, admonished the expert of the RKI. (Fp)