infections
Bejel, Yaws, and Pinta
Introduction
Bejel, yaws (frambesia), and pinta are infections caused byTreponema, which are spiral-shaped bacteria called spirochetes. These infections are spread by any close contact with the skin of an infected person—usually between children living in conditions of poor hygiene. Bejel causes mouth sores and destructive lumps in bone. Yaws causes skin sores and disfiguring growths on the legs and around the nose and mouth. Pinta causes itchy, thickened, discolored patches on the skin. Doctors diagnose these infections when people have typical symptoms and have spent time in areas where the infections are common. One dose of the antibioticazithromycinkills the bacteria. (See also Overview of Bacteria .) , such as bejel, yaws, and pinta, are known as treponematoses. Syphilis is another treponematosis caused by the closely related bacteria called Bejel occurs mainly in the hot, dry regions of the eastern Mediterranean and Saharan West Africa. Yaws occurs in hot, humid countries that are very near the equator in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Pinta is common among the natives of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Pinta is not very contagious. Bejel, yaws, and pinta rarely occur in the United States, except among immigrants from areas of the world where these diseases are common. 