YAWS (NON- VENEREAL TREPONEMATOSES)

It is non- venereal treponema infection affecting mainly the skin, bones and joints.

CAUSATIVE AGENT: Treponema Pertenue

INCUBATION PERIOD

It is usually from one month varying from 2 weeks to 3 months.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

It is by direct contact probably through abrasions.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

1.       Skin lesions - 1⁰ lesion

                                                               i.      Round/ oval papule

                                                             ii.      Itchy papilloma (mother yaws)

                                                           iii.      Normally heals 3- 6 months.

-          2⁰ lesion

                                                               i.            Recurring painless lesion filled with pus, burst and ulcerate.

                                                             ii.            Malaise

                                                           iii.            Anorexia

2.       Latent stage – symptoms abate although occasional lesion may occur.

3.       Tertiary Stage – Skin, bones and joints are destroyed.

4.       Long bone swelling

5.       Hyperkeratosis

DIAGNOSIS

1.       Dark field microscopy of the exudates reveal spirochete.

2.       Serological tests of blood become positive at early stage but tend to become negative when the disease become latent for years.

CONTROL

1.       Clinical examination of entire population.

2.       Mass chemotherapy with benzathine penicillin.

3.       General improvement in personal hygiene and living standards help prevent the disease.

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