[SOME PECULIARITIES OF SYPHILIS MORPHOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY (REVIEW)]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Immunogenetics

Background:

• Syphilis (Treponema pallidum) exhibits evolving clinical and epidemiological patterns globally and in Ukraine.
• Latent syphilis constitutes 20-40% of cases, disproportionately affecting the elderly.
• Increased incidence is observed in high-risk populations including homosexual men, sex workers, and individuals with substance use disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathomorphosis of syphilis under contemporary conditions.
• To analyze clinical and epidemiological characteristics of syphilis domestically and internationally.
• To understand the changing disease patterns and identify key diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of syphilis morbidity, clinical, and epidemiological data.
• Examination of immunogenetic features, including T. pallidum gene typing (tp and arp genes).
• Utilized Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for T. pallidum detection, particularly in late and latent stages, alongside TPHA.

Main Results:

• Syphilis incidence decreased by 2.5 times in Ukraine (2008-2014), but with a shift towards latent, late, and unspecified forms.
• Significant neurological and visceral organ involvement noted in changing disease patterns.
• Specific tp gene types (a, b, c, d, g, i, p) and five arp T. pallidum gene types were identified in Eastern Ukraine.

Conclusions:

• The traditional presentation of syphilis is becoming blurred, necessitating a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
• Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment require integrating serology, immunogenetic data, neurological status, and therapeutic considerations.
• Penicillin remains the primary therapeutic agent for syphilis.