Syphilis and hepatitis B: the key facts
What syphilis and hepatitis B are, how they spread, and how testing, treatment and vaccination protect you and your baby.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It spreads mainly through sexual contact (oral, vaginal and anal sex), and can also pass from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
- It can be cured: syphilis is treated with antibiotics. Early testing and treatment prevent complications.
- Untreated, it is dangerous: it can damage organs including the heart and brain.
- Testing in pregnancy: untreated syphilis can harm both mother and baby, so pregnant women are tested routinely.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
- How it spreads: through infected blood, semen and other body fluids, for example through sex, sharing needles or from mother to baby at birth.
- Symptoms: many people have none. When symptoms appear, they can include tiredness, poor appetite, nausea and stomach pain.
- Long-term risks: chronic hepatitis B can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Prevention: a vaccine protects against hepatitis B. Safer sex and never sharing needles also reduce the risk.
MASYAP offers testing for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B during support group visits. If you have concerns, speak to a health worker or visit your nearest health centre.
