Cause

• Directors of Health Promotion and Education, states on its website that, syphilis, a bacterial infection, was initially resistant to most forms of medication. Eventually, other medications were formulated that did show efficacy. Syphilis is caused by spirochaete bacterium named "treponema pallidum," microscopic, worm-like organisms.
  
  

Stages

• According to Mayoclinic.com, as syphilis matures its symptoms fall into one of five stages. The first stage, primary syphilis, begins as early as 10 days to the months after contraction, is typically characterized by firm, painless sore to swollen lymph nodes. The second stage, secondary syphilis, plagues the body with skin rashes, fever, fatigue, sore throat and body soreness. The third stage, latent syphilis, is unique in that there are no symptoms. This stage can last for an indefinite amount of time, in some cases, years. Fourth is tertiary or "late" syphilis, an extremely dangerous phase of the disease in that it can cause brain damage, numbness, paralysis, gradual blindness and dementia. The fifth stage, congenital syphilis, refers to how the disease is transferred through blood to an unborn child. The child can begin exhibiting symptoms such as skin sores, rashes, deformities, seizures, jaundice and even death.
  
  

Treatment

• Historically, treatment for syphilis has been antibiotics, one injection of penicillin intramuscular if the patient has had the disease for a year or less. If she has had the disease for two or more years, the dosage and amount of injections necessary will be adjusted. For those who are allergic to penicillin, there are other antibiotics that have shown efficacy in treating the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  
  

Aztreonam

• Some people do not like or cannot take penicillin or other drugs in its family. Azteonam, according to drugs.com, is a monobactam antibiotic that works by attacking sensitive bacteria that cause infections, including syphilis, for which the drug has been scientifically proven to treat.
  
  

Side Effects

• Aztreonam, like all medications, not only works differently by person but carries with is a host of potential side effects both common and severe. Common side effects, according to drugs.com include "discomfort, mild diarrhea, nausea, pain, vein inflammation and vomiting." Less-common, more potentially dangerous side effects include bloody stools, chest pain, fever, itching, muscle pain, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, fatigue and vaginal soreness. Contact your physician immediately or go to the emergency room if you experience any side effects.