Framboesia, also known as yaws, is a tropical infectious disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue. The spelling of "framboesia" is derived from the French word "framboise," which means raspberry, as the disease causes raspberry-like sores on the skin. In IPA phonetic transcription, "framboesia" is pronounced /fʁɑ̃bwa.zja/, with the stress on the second syllable. The French nasal vowel sound (ɑ̃) is the first sound in "enchanté" in French, which is similar to the English "on."
Framboesia is a medical term related to a skin condition caused by infection of the bacteria Treponema pertenue, which belongs to the same family as the bacteria that causes syphilis. Also known as yaws, framboesia primarily affects tropical and subtropical regions, most commonly seen in children living in impoverished and overcrowded areas of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
This chronic infectious disease often begins with a painless, raised bump on the skin that develops into a hard and ulcerated lesion. After a few weeks, these lesions subsequently increase in size and give rise to characteristic raspberry-like or framboesia-like lesions, hence the name "framboesia." The lesions are generally found in moist areas of the body, such as the face, arms, legs, or genital areas, and they can be accompanied by regional lymph node enlargement.
If left untreated, framboesia can progress to later stages with more severe complications, including joint and bone involvement, leading to deformities and long-term disabilities. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment with antibiotics, such as penicillin or other medications, can effectively cure the infection and halt its progression.
Framboesia can be prevented through strategies such as providing clean water and improving overall hygiene, as it is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the skin lesions of an infected individual. Additionally, efforts directed towards educating communities about personal hygiene and proper wound care are essential to preventing its transmission and reducing its prevalence.
The word framboesia is derived from the French term framboise, meaning raspberry. It is a medical term that was coined by French physician Charles Donovan in the early 20th century. The term was used to describe a tropical ulcerative skin disease that causes raspberry-like lesions, hence the association with the word framboise.