Concerns About Syphilis Transmission Through Shared Utensils

Q: Concerns About Syphilis Transmission Through Shared Utensils

Hello： 1) The chance of syphilis being transmitted through shared utensils is nonexistent; it is transmitted through sexual contact. <br>2) If there are cases, they are extremely rare (and it cannot be definitively proven that transmission occurred through shared utensils). <br>3

Original #136887 Lip ulcer sharing utensils

Hello Dr.
Du: I would like to consult you regarding case #136887.
Thank you for your prompt response.
To provide additional context: My friend drank soup directly from a bowl (which raises concerns about saliva on the rim of the bowl).
After finishing the soup, he immediately served rice, and the serving spoon scraped against the rim of the bowl, potentially transferring his saliva onto the spoon.
Then I used that spoon to serve myself rice.
Additionally, I have a small superficial yellow ulcer on the inside of my lip (about 1-2mm in size, which I bit a few days ago and it hasn't healed yet).
If my friend is a syphilis patient (I am unsure if he has any oral wounds), I am worried that saliva could have indirectly infected my lips through the bowl rim, serving spoon, and rice.
Dr.
Du, I sincerely apologize for my concerns, and I hope you can patiently address my questions: (1) Based on the additional information provided, do you still believe that my risk of contracting syphilis is very low? (2) I read that syphilis can be transmitted through broken skin or mucous membranes, which makes me particularly anxious about the small ulcer on my lip.
Is your assessment of a low risk due to the fact that the virus would have been significantly diluted and lost its infectivity by the time it traveled from the bowl rim, spoon, and rice? (3) In the future, if I have oral mucosal ulcers and share meals with others (without being able to use 100% separate utensils), should I still be concerned about contracting syphilis or other sexually transmitted infections? I apologize again for bothering you, and I truly appreciate your help, Dr.
Du! Original #136887 Lip ulcer and shared utensils.
Hello Dr.
Du: I just had a meal with friends, and during serving rice, the spoon was previously used by another friend.
When he served the rice, the spoon scraped against his bowl rim, which would have saliva on it (he drank soup before serving the rice).
The spoon would retain his saliva, and then I used it to serve myself rice...
Dr.
Du, I have a small superficial yellow ulcer on my lip (which I bit a few days ago and hasn't healed).
If my friend is a syphilis patient, I am very worried about the possibility of contracting syphilis or other infections from him...
Please clarify this for me, thank you! ## Response: Miaoli Hospital / Urology / Dr.
Du Shih-Hsi, 2018/07/10 "Inquiry / More questions answered by this doctor" Hello: Sexually transmitted infections are primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
In the situation you described, the risk is very low, but if you are concerned, it is best to avoid sharing utensils.
Using separate utensils is a good practice.
Wishing you good health.

CX, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/10

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: 1) The chance of syphilis being transmitted through shared utensils is nonexistent; it is transmitted through sexual contact.
2) If there are cases, they are extremely rare (and it cannot be definitively proven that transmission occurred through shared utensils).
3) There is almost no need for concern.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/07/10

More Info

When it comes to concerns about syphilis transmission through shared utensils, it's important to understand the nature of syphilis and how it is primarily transmitted. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The most common mode of transmission is through direct contact with syphilis sores during sexual activity. However, your question raises valid concerns about potential transmission through indirect means, such as shared utensils.

1. Risk of Transmission: Based on the scenario you described, the risk of contracting syphilis through shared utensils is extremely low. The bacterium that causes syphilis is not typically transmitted through saliva. While syphilis can be present in the oral cavity, it is usually associated with active sores or lesions. If your friend has syphilis but does not have any visible sores in their mouth, the likelihood of transmission through shared utensils is minimal. The bacterium does not survive well outside the human body, and the dilution effect when using shared utensils further reduces any potential risk.

2. Concerns About Oral Ulcers: You mentioned having a small ulcer on your lip. While it is true that syphilis can enter the body through broken skin or mucous membranes, the transmission through indirect contact via utensils is still very unlikely. The ulcer you described may increase your sensitivity to infections in general, but the specific risk of contracting syphilis in this manner remains low. The bacterium would need to be present in a sufficient quantity and in a viable state to cause infection, which is unlikely in the scenario you described.

3. Future Precautions: If you have recurrent oral ulcers or other mucosal injuries, it is wise to take precautions when sharing food or utensils with others. Using separate utensils (public chopsticks and spoons) is a good practice to minimize any risk of transmission of infections, including STIs. While the risk of syphilis transmission through shared utensils is low, maintaining good hygiene practices is always advisable, especially when there are open sores or ulcers present.

In summary, while your concerns are understandable, the risk of contracting syphilis through shared utensils, even with the presence of a small oral ulcer, is very low. Syphilis is primarily transmitted through direct contact with sores during sexual activity, and the bacterium does not survive well outside the body. If you continue to have concerns or experience symptoms, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and testing if necessary. Maintaining good hygiene practices and being cautious when sharing utensils can help reduce the risk of various infections.

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