Syphilis meaning: What is syphilis

What is syphilis ? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a type of bacteria called Treponema pallidum. In its earliest stage, syphilis produces an open sore (ulcer) that leaks fluid filled with syphilis bacteria. Syphilis can be transmitted by contact with this ulcer or other infectious sores that form later in the disease, usually during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If untreated, syphilis moves through a series of stages that affect different parts of the body, although the ... Syphilis is a bacterial STI that causes sores, rash and serious health problems. Learn how to prevent, diagnose and treat syphilis with medication and safe sex practices. Syphilis is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum and is characterized by 3 sequential symptomatic stages separated by periods of asymptomatic latent infection. Common manifestations include painless genital ulcers, skin lesions, meningitis, aortic disease, and neurologic syndromes. Diagnosis is by serologic tests and adjunctive tests selected based on the disease stage. Penicillin is the treatment of choice. Syphilis is a bacterial STI transmitted by skin-to-skin contact during sex. It causes chancre sores or rashes on the penis, vagina, anus, and mouth.