Final answer:
Latent syphilis lacks symptoms, can last for years, and may lead to severe tertiary syphilis if left untreated. Blood tests are still used to detect the disease during this stage. Early stages can be treated with penicillin, while late stages may require a more extensive treatment regimen.
Step-by-step explanation:
Latent syphilis is the third stage of syphilis, beginning after the secondary phase has resolved, which typically happens even without treatment. During this phase of the disease, there are no symptoms, but the Treponema pallidum bacteria remain in the body. Without appropriate antibiotic treatment, a person may progress through all stages of the disease over years. Latent syphilis can last for years, and blood tests are still necessary to detect the presence of the disease, as symptoms are absent during this phase.
When untreated, latent syphilis may eventually progress to the final and most severe stage, known as tertiary syphilis. This stage can cause serious health complications such as damage to the internal organs, including the brain, heart, liver, or bones. Severe outcomes such as paralysis, blindness, seizures, and dementia may occur during tertiary syphilis. These severe health issues are potentially life-threatening.
It is imperative for someone suspected of having syphilis to seek medical evaluation and treatment. The recommended course of treatment is usually penicillin, which is effective for primary, secondary, and early latent syphilis. In the cases of late latent or tertiary syphilis, a longer course of treatment is generally required.