SCARLET FEVER. Synonyms.—Scarlatina; Scarlet Rash. Definition ...

e infected, even though she presents no signs of the disease.
The most frequent form of transmission is from the father, the mother
being free from infection. This is known as sperm infection. Here, again,
we see strange results; for a decidedly syphilitic father may beget a
healthy child, while, on the other hand, a man, who may have had
syphilis in his early life, but apparently had recovered after treatment,
not presenting a single phase of his old trouble for years, may transmit
to his offspring the characteristic lesion of the disease.
The earlier the offspring is begotten, after the appearance of the
primary sore, the greater the danger from infection, while, under
judicious treatment, the danger is but slight after four years. The more
remote from the initial lesion, the less the danger, and a parent
suffering from tertiary lesion may beget a healthy child.
Infection from the mother, known as germ infection, is also quite
common, the father being free. In most cases, however, both father and
mother are infected, the latter by the former;. in which case the child is
very apt to show infection.
Where the mother becomes infected after conception, the offspring may
show infection, when it is known as placental transmission.
Pathology.—Chancre.—The initial lesion consists of an infiltration of
small round cells, together with larger epithelial cells, giant cells, and
the bacilli of Lustgarten. The inflammatory process causes thickening,
and sometimes obliteration, of the smaller arteries and veins, which give
rise to sclerosis. This is soon followed by degeneration of the epithelium,
causing the small, round, shallow ulcer about the size of a split pea, the
hard, indurated convex surface forming its base. The near lymphatics
are soon involved, becoming infiltrated and indurated, which in turn
may caseate and break down.
Secondary Lesions.—The most common are ulceration of mucous
surfaces and cutaneous eruptions. The favorite location for mucous
patches is the mouth and anus. They vary in size from a pin-point to a
half-dollar, their edges being slightly indurated. Iritis is quite a common
attendant.
Tertiary Lesion.—Inflammatory products, known as gummata,
characterize the third stage. These bodies are made up of round cells,
The Eclectic Practice of Medicine - PART I - Infectious Diseases - Page 218