About

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium (Treponema pallidum). It is capable of affecting any organ of the body.

Depending on the primary route of transmission, syphilis is classified as -

Venereal syphilis - Transmitted due to sexual contact
Congenital syphilis- Transmitted from an infected mother to the unborn child

Usually an infected person develops the first symptom after 21 days of exposure to syphilis, but this duration can range from 10 to 90 days. Syphilis is marked by the appearance of skin rashes and/or sores (mucous membrane lesions) in the mouth, vagina, or anus. Without appropriate treatment, the infection progresses to the next stage of the disease, thus complicating the condition further.

Syphilis can be diagnosed with a VDRL test or dark ground microscopy test.

Early syphilis responds favorably to antibiotic treatment. But once tissue damage starts, the process may be halted but cannot be reverted.

Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner and using condoms can prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis.

Published on Sep 25, 2014
Last Updated on Jul 28, 2021

Cite this Article

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

APA

Dr. Trupti Shirole. (2021, July 28). Syphilis - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs. Medindia. Retrieved on May 31, 2023 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/syphilis.htm.
MLA

Dr. Trupti Shirole. "Syphilis - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs". Medindia. May 31, 2023. <https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/syphilis.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Trupti Shirole. "Syphilis - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/syphilis.htm. (accessed May 31, 2023).
Harvard
Dr. Trupti Shirole. 2021. Syphilis - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs. Medindia, viewed May 31, 2023, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/syphilis.htm.