... by either scraping the base of the non- painful ulcer and looking under a special type of microscope for the spirochetes, or by performing special blood tests. There are two blood tests. One is the screening test; the second is performed to verify a positive screen. The accuracy of the screening fluctuates during the three ... the virus cannot be transmitted to someone else. The outbreak usually begins as an itching or tingling sensation followed by redness of the skin. Finally, a blister forms. The bliste! rs and subsequent ulcers are usually very painful to touch and may last from 7 da...

• Word Count: 1956
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... 's society. There are a few ways to contract the disease, all of which can be prevented. The primary stage of syphilis is characterized by a small lesion, called a chancre, which resembles a pimple, blister or open sore. This occurs anytime between nine days and three months after infection. Fluid from the chancre is extremely infectious, but usually painless. Normally it appears on the genitals ... the skin, the mucous membranes, and the internal organs. The bones are also affected, as well as the liver, kidney, and other visceral organs. Infection of the heart and major blood vessels a...

• Word Count: 852
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School