Final answer:
People who do not recover from syphilis naturally need to be treated with antibiotics, preferably penicillin. Advanced cases require multiple doses, and alternative antibiotics are used for those allergic to penicillin, with post-treatment testing to ensure a cure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some people can recover from syphilis without intervention; however, those who don't can easily be treated with antibiotics. Penicillin, particularly long-acting benzathine penicillin G, is the recommended treatment for syphilis. A single intramuscular injection can cure primary, secondary, or early latent syphilis. More advanced stages, such as late latent or tertiary syphilis, may require three doses administered at weekly intervals.
If a person is allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics like tetracycline or doxycycline may be used, though these are considered less effective and necessitate post-treatment testing to ensure a cure. It's critical to treat syphilis not only to eradicate the bacteria but also to stop the progression of the disease, which can lead to serious health issues in the heart, brain, and other organs, and can be fatal if left untreated.