Bejel is a lesser-known infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum pertenue. It primarily affects people in impoverished regions with limited access to healthcare.
Bejel is an infectious disease that is rare in the United States but common in certain parts of the world. The infection is very similar to syphilis but is not sexually transmitted. Most frequently, transmission is by means of non-sexual skin contact or by common use of eating and drinking utensils. The organism that causes bejel belongs to the same family as the bacterium that causes syphilis, pinta and yaws and is known as treponema. Treponemas are spiral-shaped bacteria (spirochetes). Also known as endemic syphilis, bejel is characterized by lesions of the skin and bones that begin in the mouth and progress in gradual stages. The late stages are the most severe.[rx]
Types of Bejel:
Bejel, also known as endemic syphilis, can be categorized into two main types:
- Early Bejel: This is the initial stage of the disease, characterized by mild symptoms such as sores, rashes, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Late Bejel: If left untreated, early Bejel can progress to late Bejel, which can cause more severe symptoms like gum ulcers, bone deformities, and organ damage.
Causes of Bejel:
Bejel is a rare infectious disease caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium (spirochete), known as Treponema pallidum endemicum. Under a microscope, T. p. endemicum is virtually indistinguishable from Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. The disease is not sexually transmitted.[rx]
Bejel is caused by a specific bacterium, Treponema pallidum pertenue. It is transmitted through direct contact with open sores or lesions of an infected person. Here are 20 causes of Bejel:
- Close personal contact with an infected individual.
- Sharing eating utensils with someone who has Bejel.
- Poor hygiene practices in communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
- Childhood exposure to the bacterium in affected areas.
- Crowded living conditions that facilitate the spread of the disease.
- Limited healthcare resources for early diagnosis and treatment.
- Lack of awareness about Bejel in affected regions.
- Insufficient access to antibiotics for treatment.
- Malnutrition, which can weaken the immune system.
- Poor wound care, leading to the development of sores and ulcers.
- Lack of access to preventive measures like vaccines.
- Environmental factors that promote the spread of the bacterium.
- Cultural practices that may facilitate disease transmission.
- Lack of education on safe sexual practices.
- Limited availability of healthcare professionals in affected areas.
- Inadequate surveillance and reporting of Bejel cases.
- Insufficient funding for public health initiatives in endemic regions.
- Migration of infected individuals to non-endemic areas.
- Lack of access to clean and safe drinking water.
- Inadequate sanitation facilities.
Symptoms of Bejel:
At the outset, children with bejel have patchy, slimy, ulcerations (lesions) on the mucous membranes, particularly in or near the mouth. Later, blisters appear on the back, arms, and legs. Further disease progression is indicated by infections of the bones, especially those of the legs. In these later stages, soft, gummy lumps (gummas) appear on the roof of the mouth and in the nasal passages.[rx]
Other symptoms may include swollen glands or lymph nodes (lymph-adenopathy), and/or skin ulcerations under the arms or around the rectum and groin.[rx]
Bejel can manifest with various symptoms, depending on the stage of the disease. Here are 20 common symptoms associated with Bejel:
- Painful sores or ulcers on the skin or mucous membranes.
- Swollen lymph nodes near the site of infection.
- Rash, often on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
- Fever and fatigue.
- Headaches and muscle aches.
- Sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
- Weight loss.
- Enlarged liver and spleen.
- Joint pain and stiffness.
- Patchy hair loss.
- Red or brownish mucous patches in the mouth.
- Nasal congestion and discharge.
- Eye inflammation and redness.
- Gum ulcers and tooth decay.
- Bone pain and deformities.
- Vision problems.
- Difficulty hearing.
- Developmental issues in children born to infected mothers.
- Lesions on the genitals.
- Neurological symptoms, including confusion and paralysis in severe cases.
Diagnostic Tests for Bejel:
Early diagnosis of Bejel is crucial for effective treatment. Here are 20 diagnostic tests commonly used to detect Bejel:
- Serological tests: Blood tests that detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum pertenue.
- Dark-field microscopy: A microscopic examination of lesion samples to identify the bacterium.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests: Detect genetic material of the bacterium in tissue samples.
- Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test: Measures antibodies in the blood.
- Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test: Detects antibodies similar to VDRL.
- Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TP-PA): Confirms the presence of specific antibodies.
- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) tests: Detect antibodies against the bacterium.
- Immunofluorescence tests: Identifies specific antibodies in the blood.
- Lumbar puncture: Checks cerebrospinal fluid for signs of neurological involvement.
- Biopsy: Removes a tissue sample from a lesion for microscopic examination.
- Chest X-ray: Detects lung involvement in advanced cases.
- Urinalysis: Examines urine for signs of infection.
- Tissue culture: Grows bacteria from tissue samples in a lab setting.
- Swab tests: Collect samples from mouth, genitals, or skin lesions.
- Complete blood count (CBC): Assesses white blood cell levels.
- Liver function tests: Measures liver enzyme levels.
- Kidney function tests: Evaluates kidney health.
- Bone X-rays: Identifies bone abnormalities.
- Audiometry: Measures hearing loss.
- Ophthalmic examination: Assesses eye involvement.
Treatments for Bejel:
Bejel can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Here are 30 treatment options and supportive measures for Bejel:
- Penicillin injections: A standard treatment for Bejel, often administered in a single dose.
- Oral antibiotics: In some cases, oral penicillin or other antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Tetracycline or doxycycline: Antibiotics used if penicillin is not an option.
- Erythromycin: Another alternative antibiotic for those allergic to penicillin.
- Supportive care: Adequate nutrition and hydration to support the body’s healing.
- Pain relief: Medications to alleviate discomfort and pain.
- Wound care: Proper cleaning and dressing of sores and ulcers.
- Avoiding close contact: Prevents transmission to others.
- Education on safe sexual practices: To prevent further spread.
- Rest and recuperation: Important for recovery.
- Monitoring for complications: Regular check-ups to detect any organ involvement.
- Psychological support: Managing the emotional impact of the disease.
- Education and awareness: Promoting knowledge about Bejel in affected communities.
- Antibiotic therapy compliance: Ensuring patients complete their treatment.
- Symptom management: Addressing specific symptoms such as pain or fever.
- Bone deformity correction: Surgical intervention for severe bone damage.
- Dental care: Treating gum ulcers and tooth decay.
- Eye care: Addressing eye inflammation and vision problems.
- Hearing aids: For individuals with hearing loss.
- Speech therapy: For speech difficulties caused by the disease.
- Physiotherapy: Rehabilitation for joint and muscle problems.
- Rehabilitation services: Assisting with mobility and independence.
- Family support: Engaging family members in the care and recovery process.
- Community health programs: Raising awareness and improving access to healthcare.
- Nutritional supplements: Ensuring adequate nutrient intake.
- Vaccination: Preventing secondary infections.
- Safe drinking water initiatives: Reducing the risk of reinfection.
- Sanitation improvements: Promoting hygiene practices.
- Antibiotic resistance monitoring: Ensuring effective treatment options.
- Research and development: Investigating new treatments and prevention strategies.
Medications for Bejel:
Several antibiotics can effectively treat Bejel. Here are 20 medications commonly prescribed:
- Penicillin G benzathine
- Penicillin G procaine
- Penicillin V
- Tetracycline
- Doxycycline
- Erythromycin
- Azithromycin
- Ceftriaxone
- Cefixime
- Ciprofloxacin
- Ofloxacin
- Levofloxacin
- Amoxicillin
- Clindamycin
- Minocycline
- Gentamicin
- Streptomycin
- Chloramphenicol
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
- Metronidazole
Conclusion:
Bejel is a treatable yet often overlooked infectious disease affecting disadvantaged communities. Early diagnosis and proper treatment with antibiotics are essential for preventing severe complications and the spread of the disease. Raising awareness, improving access to healthcare, and implementing preventive measures are crucial steps in controlling Bejel in endemic regions. With the right information and resources, Bejel can be effectively managed and, in time, eliminated.
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.
Adamantiades-Behçet's Syndrome
