Syphilis is a long-term bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It occurs in various stages and spreads mainly through sexual contact.

The symptoms vary with the stages of syphilis. Painless sore in the primary stage and rashes in the secondary stage are seen. The latent stage is associated with no symptoms. If the secondary stage symptoms are not treated, complications, such as deafness and inflammation of the blood vessels and membranes across the brain and spinal cord, may occur.

Syphilis is spread mainly through sexual contact. It can easily spread from one person to another through the skin or mucous membrane from the sore that develops in the primary stage of the infection.

One can avoid syphilis by not indulging in unsafe sexual activities, having intercourse with preferably only one partner, ensuring that none of the partners is infected, using a latex condom during the intercourse to cover the sore and prevent the spread of infection and avoiding alcohol or other drugs, which could lead to unsafe sexual practices.

Syphilis, if left untreated, can severely damage the heart and brain. It passes from a mother via the placenta to the unborn child. The risk of HIV infection also increases.