Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium. The first testimonies date back to the sixteenth century and are probably the origin of the Americas. Its incidence in the West dropped towards the end of 1800, with a new peak since World War I. New diagnostic methods and antibiotics have reduced the incidence after World War II. It is, however, spreading again in recent years, especially in developing countries.

Syphilis has a long course and no obvious clinical manifestations, which often causes late diagnosis. The typical symptoms of the disease are ulcers that are formed in the genital and oral area, often mistaken for the symptoms of other diseases. If suspicious wounds are found, then it is good to analyze the materials taken from them. Diagnostic tests detect the presence of antibodies to the Treponema disease or bacterium. In pregnancy, the test should be performed in the first weeks of gestation, together with other prenatal screening tests.

If untreated, syphilis attacks the nervous system and arterial vessels, leading to mental disorders and sometimes death. It is therefore important to periodically use the appropriate diagnostic test and, if successful, to undergo an antibiotic therapy. Depending on the stage of the disease and its severity, the intake of penicillin is more or less prolonged. During treatment, you must also abstain from any sexual activity.

The disease is transmitted sexually, through contact with infected wounds. The most frequent cases of contagion are during the early stages when people are unaware of their illness. To minimize the risk, it is best to use the condom for any sexual contact