DEFINITION
Frambesia tropica is a contagious disease, endemic in the tropics and subtropics, caused by the Spirochaeta pertenuis (Castellani) and characterized by both early and late eruptive symptoms somewhat suggestive of syphilis.
Synonyms.—
The name frambesia tropica was first applied by Sauvages, 1759, from the raspberry-like appearance of the granuloma. Yaws is a common name, especially in English colonies. Pian is the name given by the French. Bouba or boubas is used in the Spanish colonies. The disease has many local names among different aboriginal peoples. Polypapilloma tropicum was the name given by Charlouis; and the name spirochetose cutanée has been given to differentiate the disease from spirochetose généralisée (syphilis).
HISTORY
The claim has been made that frambesia tropica was known to the ancients. It has also been affirmed that it occupied its place under the generic term "leprosy" of the Bible. Like syphilis, frambesia was "discovered" after the discovery