MYELOSYPHILIS Meaning and
Definition
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Myelosyphilis is a term derived from the combination of two medical conditions, "myelopathy" and "syphilis." It refers to a rare late-stage manifestation of syphilis that affects the spinal cord, specifically the structures within the bone marrow known as the myeloid tissue. This condition arises as a result of the chronic and untreated infection of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium responsible for syphilis.
In myelosyphilis, the infection spreads to the spinal cord and damages the myeloid tissue, which is responsible for producing red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. The destruction of these specialized cells can lead to various complications, including anemia, reduced immunity, and impaired ability to form blood clots.
Symptoms of myelosyphilis can vary depending on the extent of spinal cord involvement. They often include weakness or paralysis of the limbs, loss of coordination, sensory disturbances, muscle wasting, and difficulty with fine motor skills. Additionally, individuals with myelosyphilis may experience fatigue, weight loss, and bouts of fever.
Treatment for myelosyphilis typically involves a course of antibiotics to eradicate the underlying infection. However, the effectiveness of treatment may be limited in individuals with advanced stages of syphilis. Rehabilitation therapies may also be recommended to improve motor function and manage symptoms.
Due to the rarity of myelosyphilis, early detection and prompt treatment of syphilis are crucial in preventing the progression of the disease to this severe stage. Regular screening, safe sexual practices, and timely treatment of syphilis can help reduce the risk of developing myelosyphilis.
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Syphilis of the spinal cord.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MYELOSYPHILIS
- nyelosyphilis
- kyelosyphilis
- jyelosyphilis
- mtelosyphilis
- mgelosyphilis
- mhelosyphilis
- muelosyphilis
- m7elosyphilis
- m6elosyphilis
- mywlosyphilis
- myslosyphilis
- mydlosyphilis
- myrlosyphilis
- my4losyphilis
- my3losyphilis
- myekosyphilis
- myeposyphilis
- myeoosyphilis
- myelisyphilis
- myelksyphilis
Etymology of MYELOSYPHILIS
The word "myelosyphilis" combines two components: "myelo-" and "-syphilis".
1. "Myelo-" is derived from the Greek word "myelos" (μυελός), meaning "marrow". This term is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to bone marrow.
2. "-Syphilis" is derived from the name of the disease syphilis, which is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The name "syphilis" itself has an interesting history. It is believed to have been derived from the poem "Syphilis sive morbus Gallicus" (Syphilis, or the French Disease) written by the Italian physician and poet Girolamo Fracastoro in 1530.
