In the late 1940s, United States Medical Researchers secretly, intentionally and purposefully infected thousands of Guatemalans with STDs. The U.S. researchers were apparently investigating whether or not penicillin could prevent syphilis and gonorrhea if it was given to someone right before exposure to the STD. The researchers exposed thousands of people that were in mental institutions to these STDs without their knowledge or permission. They directly infected the men by injecting syphilis bacteria cultures into their penises and on open wounds on their forearms or faces. They also made prostitutes, who were infected with the STDs, infect the men. Some women were targeted, but not as often. Although some were given penicillin immediately after exposure, the records did not indicate that all the patients were cured or given proper medical care. Therefore, many people could have remained infected with these STDs when they most likely would not have received them and can now infect many others because they were unaware of what was occurring. Making matters worse, the records were completely hidden for over sixty years. In 2010, Susan Reverby, a professor at Wellesley College, discovered the hidden reports and brought them to light. After bringing attention to this unethical experiment, the U.S. government issued an apology to Guatemala and launched investigations to uncover what exactly happened. The government was shocked that this was approved and co-sponsored by US Public Health Services and the NIH.
Why is syphilis bad?
It is highly contagious and spreads through sexual activity. If left untreated, it can cause long-term problems such as arthritis, brain damage, and blindness. Syphilis can damage the heart and may cause heart failure. It has the ability to cause neurological issues like strokes and seizures which can lead to blindness. Syphilis can also result in sores/ rashes, swollen lymph glands, fever, hair loss, and weight loss. It can be treated with penicillin.
Why is gonorrhea bad?
If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health problems. In women, it can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes which results in pelvic inflammatory disease. PID can cause abdominal pain, fever, internal abscesses, and chronic pelvic pain. There is also a risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancies. In men, gonorrhea can affect the epididymis which can lead to infertility. Gonorrhea can also spread to the blood which causes disseminated gonococcal infection which is characterized by arthritis or tenosynovitis.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/39456324/ns/health-sexual_health/t/us-apologizes-guatemala-std-experiments/#.Xe1PhC2ZPLY
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