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Yaws

What is Yaws?

  • Yaws is a chronic bacterial infection affecting skin, bones, and cartilage.
  • Caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue (related to syphilis, but not sexually transmitted).
  • Primarily affects children under 15 years in tropical, rural areas.
  • It is a neglected tropical disease linked to poverty and poor hygiene.
  • Spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with infectious lesions.
  • Entry occurs via minor cuts or abrasions.
  • Humans are the only known reservoir.

Clinical Stages & Symptoms

  • Primary Stage
    • Single papule (wart-like lesion) at infection site
    • Often on legs or feet
    • May ulcerate and is highly infectious
  • Secondary Stage
    • Multiple skin lesions (yellow, raised, wart-like)
    • Bone pain and swelling
    • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Late (Tertiary) Stage
    • Occurs years later if untreated
    • Causes: Severe deformities of bones and nose, Disability and disfigurement 

Complications of Yaws

  • Permanent skin scarring
  • Bone deformities
  • Disability and disfigurement
  • Social stigma in affected communities

Diagnosis of Yaws

  • Clinical examination of skin lesions
  • Laboratory tests:
  • Serological tests (similar to syphilis tests)
  • PCR for confirmation

Treatment of Yaws

  • Single-dose antibiotic therapy is highly effective
  • Azithromycin (oral) – preferred
  • Benzathine penicillin (alternative)
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