infection⚑ High burden in India

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted caused by the Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum. The signs and symptoms depend on the stage it presents: primary, secondary, latent or tertiary. The primary stage classically presents with a single chancre, though there may be multiple sores. In secondary syphilis, a rash occurs, which frequently involves the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. There may also be sores in the mouth or . Latent syphilis has no symptoms and can last years. In tertiary syphilis, there are gummas, problems, or heart symptoms. Syphilis has been known as "the great imitator", because it may cause symptoms similar to many other diseases.

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Symptoms — what it feels like

·Firm, painless, non-itchy skin ulcer

Causes — why it happens

·Treponema pallidum, usually spread by sexual intercourse

How it's found

·Blood tests, dark field microscopy of infected fluid

Prevention

·Condoms, Long-term monogamous relationships

Treatment

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Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.