Rare Eye Syphilis Spreads: Asymptomatic Man Infects Five Women After Intercourse

In a recent and concerning development, five women in Michigan contracted syphilis infections in their eyes after engaging in sexual encounters with the same individual. 

This unusual manifestation of syphilis has raised concerns among scientists in the United States, prompting an investigation into the possibility of a new strain of the syphilis bacterium, Treponema pallidum.

Typically, syphilis does not infect the eyes, and ocular involvement usually occurs when the infection is left untreated over an extended period.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is particularly worried about the potential emergence of a mutated strain, underscoring the need for further research and vigilance in addressing this public health issue.

The women, who were infected and between the ages of 40 and 60, complained of headaches, floaters in their eyes, blurred vision, and photophobia (difficulty seeing in bright light).

The man was tracked down and diagnosed with early latent syphilis, a stage of the disease where symptoms are absent but the illness is still present, after they all pointed to the same sexual partner. 

But he had not developed ocular syphilis, and penicillin was prescribed.

On the Rise: Rare Occurrence of Eye Syphilis

Eye syphilis, although rare, is on the rise, usually affecting individuals with late-stage syphilis, those over 65, those with a history of intravenous drug use, or those who are HIV-positive. 

Surprisingly, none of the women involved in this outbreak fit into these categories.

The occurrence of five cases in quick succession suggests a potential new phenomenon, notably the first reported cluster associated with heterosexual transmission

Tests on the cluster’s central figure unable to identify any new T strains. pallidum. 

The absence of ulcers or lesions, which are required for genetic testing, hampered the analysis.

The CDC is currently promoting awareness about a possible new bacterial strain that could aid in the spread of the disease to the eye and other parts of the body.