This sexually transmitted disease is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which causes sores to form on infected areas. Contraction occurs with direct contact of open sores, generally found on external genitals, anus, in the vagina or rectum. In addition, sores may be found on the mouth and/or lips.

Persons who are infected with this organism may not present symptoms for years, leading to increased complications. There are three main stages of infection: primary, secondary, and late stage. Transmission generally occurs among persons in the primary or secondary stage, while sores are unrecognized.

Primary Stage

The first stage generally constitutes a single sore, however there could be multiple sores, appearing between 10 and 90 days following infection (average of 21 days). The sore(s) generally appear where infection entered the body and last 3-6 weeks, healing with treatment.

Secondary Stage

The second stage is characterized by skin rash and mucous membrane lesions. The rash may appear as rough, red, or reddish brown spots both on the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet. Rashes may occur on other parts of the body and remain unnoticed or resemble rashes caused by another illness. Moreover, other symptoms of fever, sore throat, swollen glands, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue may occur. Symptoms resolve with or without treatment, but without treatment the infection progresses into the latent stage.

Late Stage

The final stage of syphilis begins when the symptoms of the secondary stage disappear. Without treatment, the infection remains in the body, causing damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. Damage of internal organs may appear later.

How common is it?

In 2002, health officials in the United States reported over 32,000 cases, including 6,862 cases of primary and secondary stage infection. Incidence of infectious stage syphilis occurred among women age 20-24 years and men age 35-39. From 2001-2002, the number of reported cases increased 12.4%, Rates among women continued to decrease, and rates in men were 3.5 times that in women. 

How do people get Syphilis

Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. Sores also can occur on the lips and in the mouth. Transmission of the organism occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Pregnant women with the disease can pass it to the babies they are carrying. Syphilis cannot be spread through contact with toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils.

Testing and Treatment

Some health care providers can diagnose syphilis by examining material from a chancre (infectious sore) using a special microscope called a dark-field microscope. If syphilis bacteria are present in the sore, they will show up when observed through the microscope.

A blood test is another way to determine whether someone has syphilis. Shortly after infection occurs, the body produces syphilis antibodies that can be detected by an accurate, safe, and inexpensive blood test. A low level of antibodies will stay in the blood for months or years even after the disease has been successfully treated. You can set up an appointment at GW's Student Health Service.

The infection is easy to cure in the early stages of infection via penicillin or other powerful antibiotics.
 
How do I Protect Myself?

Accurate and consistent latex condom use can reduce the risk of contracting this infection, but must cover all areas infected. Therefore, abstaining from sexual contact, or to be in a long term mutual monogamous relationship with your sexual partner who has been tested and is know to be disease free, are the only sure ways to avoid transmission.