Creator: Dr. Trupti Shirole
Keywords: syphilis causes, syphilis sores, sexual contact, during birth, blood transfusion, Treponema pallidum

Written by Dr. Trupti Shirole, BAMS, CGO
Medically Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team on Sep 25, 2014

What are the Causes of Syphilis?

Syphilis is caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum and is transmitted through direct contact with syphilis sores.

Sores occur mainly on the external genitalia, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. The sores can also occur on the lips and in the mouth. The modes of transmission are -

Close sexual contact with an infected person.
An infected mother can pass on the infection to the child during birth.
Blood transfusion from infected person.

Syphilis cannot be transmitted due to sharing of bathrooms, toilets, towels or utensils.

Published on Sep 25, 2014
Last Updated on Sep 25, 2014

Most Popular on Medindia

Pregnancy Confirmation Calculator

Nutam (400mg) (Piracetam)

Loram (2 mg) (Lorazepam)

Reproductive System

Reproductive System:Reproduction is one of the most important and fundamental properties of living organisms by which every kind of living organism multiplies to form new individuals of its own kind.

AIDS/HIV

"AIDS is an epidemic disease, a potentially preventable, deadly infection for which there is no cure, no vaccine, and it is not under control." - National Commission on AIDS, 1993.

How to use a condom - Animation

This Interactive provides step by step visual aid showing how to correctly use condoms which can prevent transmission of HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy

Prostitution: Fresh Stakes in the Oldest Trade

Prostitution has broadened its base to include street prostitution, massage brothels, gigolo outcall services, strip clubs, lap dancing, phone sex, child prostitution and sex tourism.

Syphilis - Tests and Diagnosis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum. It causes infection most often in people with high risk sexual activities. It is also called "the great pretender".

Geographic Tongue / Geographic Stomatitis

Geographic tongue is a harmless condition and the tongue develops a "map-like" or a "geographic" appearance with red and smooth patches on its surface.