frambesia /fram·be·sia/ (fram-be´zhah) yaws.
frambesia, framboesia.
yaws [yawz]
frambesia tro´pica yaws.
fram·be·sia (fr m-b  zh , -zh-)n. See yaws. |
frambesia, framboesia.
See yaws.
yaws [yawz]
a highly infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pertenue. It was once common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world such as equatorial Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Indonesia and nearby islands. However, programs of the World Health Organization have now reduced its incidence. Called also frambesia.
Transmission and Symptoms. Yaws is transmitted by direct contact. The first symptom, appearing usually about a month after exposure, is a single granulomatous lesion, an inflammatory but painless elevation of the skin. Called the “mother yaw,” this soon ulcerates. Open, oozing sores appear a few weeks later on the hands, feet, face, scalp, and trunk. Eventually, after several years, the disease causes tissue destruction, bone changes, and shortening of the fingers or toes, in a cycle that has a resemblance to leprosy and is sometimes mistaken for it.
The causative organism of yaws is closely related to that of syphilis, and both diseases give a positive result on the wassermann test. However, yaws is not primarily spread by coitus and is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease.
The causative organism of yaws is closely related to that of syphilis, and both diseases give a positive result on the wassermann test. However, yaws is not primarily spread by coitus and is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease.
Treatment and Prevention. Effective treatment is by antibiotics, particularly penicillin. Unsanitary living conditions help spread the disease, and public health initiatives are ongoing.
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