Final answer:
Syphilis is indeed easily treated in the early stages with penicillin G. A single shot of long-acting penicillin can cure the initial stages, while late stages require more doses. Alternative antibiotics exist for penicillin-allergic patients but are less effective.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that syphilis is easily treated in the early stages with penicillin G. The recommended treatment for syphilis is parenteral penicillin G, specifically long-acting benzathine penicillin, although this depends on the disease stage.
A single intramuscular injection of long-acting penicillin can cure primary, secondary, or early latent syphilis. For late latent or tertiary syphilis, three doses of penicillin administered at weekly intervals are generally needed for a cure. If patients are allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline may be used, but they are less effective and require careful retesting to ensure cure.
Without treatment, syphilis can progress through multiple stages and may eventually lead to serious damage to the heart, brain, other organs, or even death. Early symptoms, like a painless sore, often go unnoticed, underscoring the importance of early detection and treatment.