Abstract

Yaws, an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum ssp. pertenue, is endemic in parts of West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The disease frequently affects children who live in poor socioeconomic conditions. A global eradication campaign using injectable benzathine penicillin was carried out by WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) between 1952 and 1964. Recent developments using a single dose of oral azithromycin have renewed optimism that eradication can be achieved through a comprehensive large-scale treatment strategy. Based on the clinical features Yaws are classified into primary yaws, secondary yaws and tertiary yaws. Due to the antigenic similarity of the yaws and syphilis agents, serological tests for syphilis were used for diagnosis of yaws. The purpose of this review is to increase the awareness of the condition and discuss the new approach amongst the global health community. Key words: Yaws, neglected tropical diseases, eradication, Treponema pallidum

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