Syphilis cases on rise, mainly affecting males

Syphilis cases have been increasing since 2004, raising concerns among medical experts.

STD: The bacteria treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis, is seen through an electron microscope. COURTESY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE SURVEILLANCE CENTER

The number of patients nationwide had fallen to about 500 in 2004, but in 2006 and 2007 the figure increased by around 100 each year, hitting 736 in 2007, according to statistics compiled by the Infectious Disease Surveillance Center.

Three-fourths of the patients are male, many in their 20s to early 40s, the institute said after surveying hospitals nationwide.

Yuki Tada, a researcher at the center, said she is particularly concerned about syphilis congentia, which is transmitted from a mother to child in utero.

"Even if a pregnant woman has been infected, effects to a baby can be prevented with early treatment with medicine," she said. "It can be completely cured if found with early diagnosis. We'd like every pregnant woman to undergo a health check and (encourage) condom (use) even during pregnancy to prevent infection."

Syphilis, caused by the bacteria treponema pallidum, is transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse and can be treated with antibiotics.

After an incubation period of two to five weeks, a lump may form in the genitalia. Going untreated for 10 to 25 years can lead to brain and heart disease.