Unravelling the mystery of syphilis: The disease that links continents
Syphilis has long been one of the most infamous sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in human history.
Its devastating impact on physical health, combined with its stigma, has made it a subject of medical and social intrigue for centuries. But where did it come from?
Thanks to advancements in paleogenomics, the study of ancient DNA, scientists have uncovered a compelling answer.
Syphilis originated in the United States and was introduced to Europe in the late 15th century.
This discovery not only solves a centuries-old mystery but also highlights the importance of understanding infectious diseases, both their history and their present.
With modern cases of syphilis on the rise globally, it’s critical to revisit the disease, from its origins to its symptoms, prevalence and prevention.
The origins of syphilis: What paleogenomics reveals
Recent research published in “Nature” has finally clarified the mystery.
Scientists analysed ancient skeletons from archaeological sites across the US and Europe, searching for genetic traces of treponemal diseases, caused by bacteria in the Treponema genus.
These diseases include pinta, bejel, yaws, and venereal syphilis.
By examining ancient DNA, the researchers found that syphilis and its relatives originated in the US and were likely introduced to Europe following Columbus’s voyages.
“The data clearly support a root in the Americas for syphilis and its known relatives,” said Kirsten Bos, an archaeogeneticist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany as reported by CNN.
This groundbreaking research not only deepens our understanding of syphilis but also underscores the interconnectedness of global health, even centuries ago.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are an estimated 7 million new syphilis cases each year globally.
The disease disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers and individuals in low-income countries.
In recent years, syphilis rates have been rising in many parts of the world.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 74 percent increase in syphilis cases between 2017 and 2021, with congenital syphilis cases also rising alarmingly in the US.
Countries like the UK and Germany have seen a resurgence of syphilis, particularly among MSM.
In Africa and Asia, syphilis remains a persistent public health issue, often linked to limited access to healthcare and stigma surrounding STIs.
This resurgence underscores the need for increased awareness, testing and prevention efforts.
Recognising the signs of syphilis
Early detection is key to managing syphilis effectively. Here are some common signs to watch for:
A single painless sore or ulcer (chancre) during the primary stage.
Skin rashes, particularly on the palms and soles, during the secondary stage.
Flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue and swollen glands.
If left untreated, syphilis can progress to the latent and tertiary stages, leading to severe complications like neurological damage (neurosyphilis) or cardiovascular issues.
Protecting yourself and others
The good news is that syphilis is preventable and treatable. Here’s how you can reduce your risk:
1. Practice safe sex: Use condoms or dental dams consistently and correctly.
2. Get tested regularly: If you’re sexually active, especially with multiple partners, routine STI testing is essential.
3. Communicate with partners: Open and honest conversations about sexual health can help prevent the spread of infections.
4. Seek treatment promptly: If you suspect you have syphilis or test positive, early treatment with antibiotics (usually penicillin) can cure the infection and prevent complications.
For pregnant women, prenatal testing is critical to prevent congenital syphilis, which can cause stillbirth or severe health issues in newborns.