Syphilis is a systemic infection caused by Treponema pallidum, a spirochete bacterium that is transmitted primarily through sexual activity. In the absence of treatment, patients who acquire T. pallidum remain chronically infected and syphilis generally progresses in stages, characterized by episodes of active clinical manifestations interrupted by periods of latent infection. Chronic disease can result in significant morbidity, potentially affecting nearly every organ system, and rarely, can result in death. In addition, untreated syphilis in pregnant women can lead to fetal demise and devastating congenital infection for neonates born to a mother with T. pallidum infection.
