Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochaete Treponema pallidum. It is found only in human hosts and infection is acquired through direct person to person sexual contact with an individual who has early syphillis

Infection is characterised by primary, secondary and tertiary stages. The incubation period is between 9-90 days.

Transmission:

• Most sexual transmission of syphilis probably occurs from direct contact with syphilitic lesions on the genitals or mucous membranes.
• Transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy causes congenital infection.

Risk factors:

• Sexual contact with an infected person
• MSM
• illicit drug use
• high risk sexual activity
• syphillis during pregnancy (congenital syphillis)

PC

Primary:

• chancre - painless ulcer at the site of sexual contact, clean base and sharp borders
• local non-tender lymphadenopathy

*often not seen in women (the lesion may be on the cervix)

Secondary: