Syphilis Knowledge Quiz

1. True or False: Syphilis can be very serious for a pregnant mother?

True

False

Syphilis can easily be transmitted to the infant during pregnancy, or less commonly during birth. “Congenital Syphilis can result in significant health problems to the infant including skin lesions, disseminated infection (infection throughout the body), enlarged liver and spleen, infection in the brain and even death.” (PHAC, 2007)

Explanation

Syphilis can easily be transmitted to the infant during pregnancy, or less commonly during birth. “Congenital Syphilis can result in significant health problems to the infant including skin lesions, disseminated infection (infection throughout the body), enlarged liver and spleen, infection in the brain and even death.” (PHAC, 2007)

2. True of False: If your partner does not have a visible Syphilis sore, you are at no risk of infection?

True

False

Syphilis sores may be located in areas where they are not clearly visible (ex. Inside the anus). Also, when the sore goes away, and Syphilis progresses into secondary Syphilis, the individual remains infectious despite having no visible sore.

Explanation

Syphilis sores may be located in areas where they are not clearly visible (ex. Inside the anus). Also, when the sore goes away, and Syphilis progresses into secondary Syphilis, the individual remains infectious despite having no visible sore.

3. How is a person tested for Syphilis?

A blood test

A urine test.

A breathalyzer test

There is no test; a doctor needs to visibly see a sore or rash to diagnose Syphilis.

Syphilis is tested through a simple blood test.

Explanation

Syphilis is tested through a simple blood test.

4. Which of the following may be a sign of a primary Syphilis infection?

Painful sore on the back of the neck.

A painless sore in the genital area.

A heart shaped lesion inside the belly button.

A painful sore on the genital area.

A primary Syphilis infection may present symptoms of a painless sore (chancre), which is usually within the genital area. In some circumstances this sore may exist in other areas, or may not easily be visible due to its location being inside of the body. This sore is always extremely contagious and will go away with time.

Explanation

A primary Syphilis infection may present symptoms of a painless sore (chancre), which is usually within the genital area. In some circumstances this sore may exist in other areas, or may not easily be visible due to its location being inside of the body. This sore is always extremely contagious and will go away with time.

5. True or False: Using condoms/dental dams/gloves during intercourse guarantees that Syphilis will not be transmitted?

True

False

Using these tools does significantly reduce the risks involved, but because syphilis sores can be located on the outside of the body, the skin-skin contact that may occur even with these tools creates a situation where it is still possible for Syphilis to be transmitted.

Explanation

Using these tools does significantly reduce the risks involved, but because syphilis sores can be located on the outside of the body, the skin-skin contact that may occur even with these tools creates a situation where it is still possible for Syphilis to be transmitted.

6. Which of the following is not a typical symptom of secondary-stage Syphilis?

Swollen glands.

Muscle and joint pain.

Dry eyes.

Rashes on the feet and hands.

Seconday Syphilis can produce symptoms such as the following;
• Patchy hair loss
• A rash on the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands or elsewhere on the body
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Muscle and joint pain (Health Canada, 2006)

Explanation

Seconday Syphilis can produce symptoms such as the following;
• Patchy hair loss
• A rash on the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands or elsewhere on the body
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Muscle and joint pain (Health Canada, 2006)

7. True or False: Being tested for Syphilis is part of routine health checkups?

True

False

Syphilis testing is not done during a routine checkup unless specifically requested by the individual. Syphilis testing is however part of routine STI testing conducted by both the Calgary STD Clinic (403-955-6700) and Safeworks (403-850-3755).

Explanation

Syphilis testing is not done during a routine checkup unless specifically requested by the individual. Syphilis testing is however part of routine STI testing conducted by both the Calgary STD Clinic (403-955-6700) and Safeworks (403-850-3755).

8. True or False: Although Syphilis is still a problem; we have fortunately been seeing declines in the number of infections over the last 6 years.

True

False

Between 2002 and 2007, there has been a steady increase in the number of Syphilis cases in Alberta, and the problem is still persisting.

Explanation

Between 2002 and 2007, there has been a steady increase in the number of Syphilis cases in Alberta, and the problem is still persisting.