What is bejel?
Bejel is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Treponema. It is closely related to syphilis bacterium and this condition is also called endemic syphilis. It is more common in Asian and African countires and rare in America. It affects children more than adults.
Unlike syphilis, it is not usually sexually transmitted but spreads through direct contact or through shared items.
What are its main signs and symptoms?
- The disease begins with small patches and blisters in the mouth.
- The blisters then gradually spread to the arms and legs.
- The limb bones begin to ache, and may even deform in severe cases.
- Lumps form in the bones and the mouth, specifically the palate. These lumps, called gummas, destroy and disfigure the bone.
- Swelling of the lymph nodes may also be seen.
What are its main causes?
- Bejel is caused by a bacterium called Treponema. This microorganism belongs to the same family of bacteria that causes syphilis, Treponema pallidum.
- It is transmitted through non-sexual contact and is most common in children living in arid, unhealthy conditions.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Bejel is diagnosed with a combination of history and microscopic examination.
- The geographic history of a person is very important for the diagnosis of bejel. Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean regions are more likely to have patients suffering from this infection.
- The lesions are microscopically examined for the bacterium under a special dark field microscope.
- Knowledge of the family history and lifestyle of a child also helps to narrow down the diagnosis.
- To differentiate bejel from syphilis, a thorough history and clinical examination is needed. This is because both the bacteria appear almost identical under a microscope.
Treatment includes antibiotics to control the infection.
- The standard medication is penicillin G, which is administered intramuscularly.
- In patients allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics like doxycycline or azithromycin can be given. However, all medicines should only be given as prescribed, especially in pregnant women.
- It is important to treat all children in the family to eliminate the infection completely.