Final answer:
Lesions in secondary syphilis are significant due to their high infectivity and the systemic spread of the Treponema pallidum bacteria, leading to symptoms that require prompt treatment to prevent progression to the potentially fatal tertiary stage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Significance of Secondary Syphilis Lesions
The lesions which develop in secondary syphilis are significant because of their high infectivity. This stage is characterized by a systemic spread of the bacteria Treponema pallidum, which manifests as various types of skin rashes and sores on the mucous membranes. The rash often presents on the palms or soles of the feet and may spread to other parts of the body. Additionally, lesions such as condylomata lata develop on mucous membranes, which are white, wart-like and highly contagious. Symptoms accompanying the rash include malaise, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Due to its contagious nature and potential to recur, it's crucial to diagnose and treat secondary syphilis promptly to prevent the progression to the latent and potentially fatal tertiary stage of the disease.
The tertiary stage can occur years after the initial infection and lead to the formation of gummas, which can be large and destructive. It also poses risks such as cardiovascular syphilis, potentially resulting in fatal conditions like aortic aneurysms, and neurosyphilis, which can cause severe neurological damage including dementia and paralysis. Hence, the lesions during the secondary stage are significant as they signal a highly infectious phase that needs immediate attention to avoid these long-term, life-threatening complications.