Syphilis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

About Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It has often been called "the great imitator" because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases

Many people infected with syphilis do not have any symptoms for years, yet remain at risk for late complications if they are not treated.

Although transmission appears to occur from persons with sores who are in the primary or secondary stage, many of these sores are unrecognized. Thus, most transmission is from persons who are unaware of their infection.

Primary Stage

The primary stage of syphilis is usually marked by the appearance of a single sore (called a chancre), but there may be multiple sores.

Secondary Stage

Skin rash and mucous membrane lesions characterize the secondary stage.

Late Stage

The latent (hidden) stage of syphilis begins when secondary symptoms disappear. Without treatment, the infected person will continue to have syphilis even though there are no signs or symptoms; infection remains in the body.

Causes of Syphilis

Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. Sores also can occur on the lips and in the mouth.

Treatment for Syphilis

Syphilis is easy to cure in its early stages. 

Diagnosis of Syphilis

Some health care providers can diagnose syphilis by examining material from a chancre (infectious sore) using a special microscope called a dark-field microscope. If syphilis bacteria are present in the sore, they will show up when observed through the microscope.

References for Syphilis Article

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• National Instiutes of Health