Treponema Pallidum

Transmission of the organism occurs during
Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
The primary stage of syphilis is usually marked
By the appearance of a single sore, called a chancre

Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum
Sores also can occur on the lips and in the mouth, with a swelling of lymph glands
The chancre lasts 3 to 6 weeks, and it heals without treatment
If treatment is not administered, the infection progresses to the secondary stage

Skin rash and mucous membrane legions
Characterize the secondary stage
Rash may appears as rough, red, or reddish brown
Spots both on the palms of the hands
Fever, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches
Weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue
The late stage of syphilis begins
When secondary symptoms disappear

Infection remains in the body
It may damage the internal organs
Including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart
Blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints
Signs and symptoms include
Difficulty coordinating muscle movements
Paralysis, blindness and dementia
This damage may cause death

The syphilis bacterium can infect the baby of a woman during her pregnancy
The infected woman may have a high risk of having a stillbirth
An infected baby may be born without signs or symptoms of disease
Untreated babies may become delayed, have seizures, or die