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The stages of syphilis
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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. What makes it tricky is that it doesn't show up in just one way: it changes its face from stage to stage. It can start with an ulcer, a sore that doesn't even hurt, move on later to a skin rash, and then enter latency, which means going quiet without ever leaving.
In that latent stage there is nothing to see and nothing to feel, and yet the bacterium is still inside, like a tenant who stopped making noise and so seems to have moved out. There is also something that doesn't wait until the end of the road: the nervous system, the eyes, or the ears can be affected at any stage of syphilis, not only once the disease has been around a long time.
In brief
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
Its features change from stage to stage. It may begin with a painless sore, progress to a rash, and then enter latency. During that phase there are no visible signs, but the infection is still there.
The timeline alternates between visible and silent periods. Silent describes the absence of signs; it does not mean the bacterium has disappeared.
The nervous system, eyes, or ears can be affected at any stage, not just in late disease.
Sources (2)
- Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAbout SyphilisPublished
- National Library of MedicineSyphilis
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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