Can syphilis be cured?

Yes, syphilis is curable with antibiotics, especially when treated in the early stages. However, treatment cannot reverse damage already done to organs in the tertiary stage.

Why is syphilis called the great imitator?

Syphilis is called the great imitator because its symptoms can resemble many other diseases, making it difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone. This is why laboratory testing is important.

Can you get syphilis from kissing?

Syphilis is primarily spread through sexual contact with sores. While rare, transmission through kissing is theoretically possible if there are active sores in or around the mouth.

InfectiousICD-10: A53.9Over 176,000 cases reported in the US in 2022, with rates rising

Syphilis

Also known as: The great imitator, Lues

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum that progresses through distinct stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Early stages are highly treatable with penicillin, but untreated syphilis can cause serious damage to the heart, brain, and other organs over many years. Cases of syphilis have been rising in recent years, making awareness and screening important.

Symptoms

Painless sore (chancre) at the site of infection in primary stage

Skin rash on palms and soles in secondary stage

Mucous membrane lesions in the mouth or genitals

Swollen lymph nodes

Fever, fatigue, and weight loss in secondary stage

Hair loss in patches

No symptoms during latent stage

Neurological, cardiovascular, and organ damage in tertiary stage

Causes

Infection with Treponema pallidum bacterium
Transmission through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex
Congenital transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy

Risk Factors

Unprotected sexual activity
Multiple sexual partners
Men who have sex with men
HIV co-infection
Previous STI history

Diagnosis

Non-treponemal tests such as RPR or VDRL for screening
Treponemal tests such as FTA-ABS for confirmation
Dark-field microscopy of chancre fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis for neurosyphilis

Treatment

Intramuscular penicillin G benzathine as first-line treatment
Doxycycline for patients with penicillin allergy
Extended penicillin courses for late-stage or neurosyphilis
Partner notification and treatment
Follow-up serologic testing to confirm treatment success

Prevention

Consistent condom use during sexual activity
Regular STI screening for sexually active individuals
Mutual monogamy with a tested partner
Screening and treating pregnant women to prevent congenital syphilis

When to See a Doctor

Any painless genital sore or unusual rash
Rash on palms or soles of feet
After potential exposure to an STI
If a sexual partner is diagnosed with syphilis

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Infectious

HIV/AIDS

Infectious

Gonorrhea

Infectious

Chlamydia

Infectious

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