Syphilis

Treponema palladium

Syphilis is a highly contagious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. It may be acquired or congenital. When acquired, it enters the body through the skin or mucous membranes, usually during sexual contact. When congenitally acquired it's transmitted to a fetus from the mother. Syphilis has three stages, the primary, secondary, and tertiary stages. During the primary stage (10-60 days after infection) Primary lesions appear a the point of contact. It's usually a painless, elevated, round ulcer. Without a secondary infection, it will usually heal without treatment in 1 to 2 months, leaving a scar. During the secondary stage (6 weeks-6 months), a rash that resembles measles, or chickenpox, pain in bones and joints, and cardiac palpitations may develop. Fever, indigestion, and headaches may follow the rash. Scalp hair may fall out, and ulcers may appear in the mouth. The tertiary stage (1-10 years) symptoms include gummy or rubbery tumors, encrusted ulcers, scarred depressions, and destruction of bone resulting in mutilation when nasal and palate bones are broken down. (CDC, STD 1)

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Read more on syphilis: http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/syphilis/article_em.htm

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