New strain of syphilis discovered

The newly discovered strain of syphilis is a mutation of the bacteria that attacked Europe in the 18th century and is resistant to antibiotics.

According to News, the new strain of syphilis is calledSS14-Ω. On sheetNature Microbiology, scientists from the University of Zurich (Switzerland) analyzed the DNA ofSS14-Ω and found it to be capableresistance to the antibiotic azithromycin due to a long mutation process. Evidence suggests thatSS14-Ω evolved fromthe bacteria that hit Europe in the 1700s.

However, experts onInfectious disease expert Sanjaya Senanayake of the University of Australia said the community should not be too afraid of the new strain of syphilis."The first-line antibiotic for syphilis is still penicillin," he said. "Penicillin resistance has not emerged, so we don't need to worry too much."

Spirochetes that cause syphilis. Photo: News.

With its exact origins unknown, syphilis has been documented since 1495. The disease quickly spread throughout Europe, causing a global pandemic. It is estimated that 10 million people worldwide are infected with syphilis each year, and the rate is rising.

The symptoms of syphilis are often difficult to detect, so patients often ignore them. If left untreated, syphilis can easily cause complications for the heart, aorta, brain, eyes, bones, and even lead to death. It is best to be careful to ensure health and those who are sexually active should have regular check-ups.

According to VNE