Syphilis: Overview and History

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum, has a long and interesting history. Its name, syphilis, comes from a Latin poem dating back to 1530, describing the first recorded syphilis epidemic in Western Europe. The disease primarily affects males and is more common in African Americans and men who have sex with men. Syphilis has three main stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary. The primary stage is characterized by the appearance of a single, painless ulcer called a shanker, which can occur on the genitals, anus, or oral cavity. The secondary stage involves a non-pyretic maculopapular rash on the palms and soles, as well as generalized lymphadenopathy. Without treatment, syphilis can progress to the latent stage, which may last for years with no symptoms. Finally, tertiary syphilis can lead to severe complications such as gumitis, neurosyphilis, and cardiovascular syphilis, which can be life-threatening.