Syphilis
Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is a serious and chronic disease that can cause severe health problems if left untreated. In 2020 the CDC reported 133,945 cases of syphilis across all stages.
Symptoms
primary Stage
The first stage (primary syphilis) begins with a small, painless sore or lesion called a chancre at the site of infection—typically on the genitals, anus or mouth. The chancre lasts for several weeks and is highly infectious.
secondary Stage
The second stage (secondary syphilis) occurs a few weeks after the chancre appears. Symptoms include a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat and fatigue. Symptoms may resolve on their own but the disease will progress if left untreated.
latent Stage
The latent stage is marked by no symptoms for years; the bacteria remain in the body and can progress to tertiary syphilis.
tertiary Stage
Tertiary syphilis is the most severe stage and can cause serious damage to the heart, brain and other organs, potentially leading to death. Symptoms may include severe neurological problems, blindness, deafness and heart failure.
Treatment
Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics—penicillin is the preferred therapy—and treatment is most effective when the disease is diagnosed early. Other antibiotics may be used for people who are allergic to penicillin.
Prevention
Practicing safe sex (using condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity), especially with new partners, and getting tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections help prevent syphilis. Pregnant people should be treated promptly because syphilis can be transmitted from mother to unborn child and cause complications such as stillbirth, neonatal death and developmental delays.
Sources
- Written by Love Hurts, Inc. (Medically reviewed by Kecia Gaither, MD on March 31, 2024)
- CDC: “Syphilis -- CDC Fact Sheet.”
- Mayo Clinic: “Chlamydia trachomatis.”
- WebMD: “Syphilis”
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