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The most serious of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases STDs (formerly known as venereal diseases) caused by the spirochete treponoma pallidum. It is most commonly transmitted by sexual contact, although transmission can occur through infected blood or an open wound or from mother to foetus. Primary syphilis is characterized by a chancre, - a superficial skin ULCER, at the site of the infection; secondary by general eruption of the skin and mucous membranes and inflammation of eyes, bones and central nervous system; tertiary by chronic skin lesions, damage to the heart and aorta, and central nervous system (CNS) degeneration. Syphilis is treated with PENICILLIN, usually successfully unless extensive nervous system damage has occurred.

Though not as common as gonorrhea, syphilis is a very serious communicable disease. The symptoms of syphilis may take two weeks or longer to appear. Syphilis causing bacteria reproduces rapidly and remains close to the areas of the body where they entered. Eventually, a painless sore called a chancre forms at the site of entry and may last for several weeks. By this time, however, the syphilis pathogens have multiplied greatly. Without treatment, they may remain in the body permanently, sometimes without producing clear symptoms.

Syphilis pathogens can enter the bloodstream spread to other parts of the body. The original chancre disappears, but new symptoms appear. A common sign of syphilis is the appearance of a variety of rashes in various parts of the body. Such body parts may include the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. Swollen glands, mild fever and headaches may also manifest the presence of syphilis. Again, a physician is required to determine what these signs represent and the correct treatment.

Syphilis symptoms disappear after several weeks. The syphilis pathogens remain in the body however, and they can spread into other tissues, such as those in the heart, bones and brain. The syphilis pathogens may continue to multiply, slowly destroying the healthy tissues. In time, syphilis can cause heart disease, blindness, crippling, severe mental illness and even death.

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