Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by infection the Spirochaete Treponema Palidum. It is spread by sexual contact, or by an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, when it is called congenital syphilis. It is uncommon in the United Kingdom but is prevalent in the developing world and in areas of Eastern Europe. The painless ulcer which develops at the site where the bacterium first entered - called a chancre - usually heals without scarring, the stage of so-called primary syphilis. Without treatment the stage of secondary syphilis develops about eight weeks later with generalised symptoms including fever and muscular aches and pains, and a rash. Raised soft patches, like flat warts, called condylomata lata, may appear in the groin or round the anus. Characteristic ulcers, called snail track ulcers, may develop in the mouth. Untreated the condition may then become latent until, possibly many years later, the destructive phase of tertiary syphilis - involving the skin, the heart, and the nervous system - become apparent. Syphilis is treatable, is preventable by the practice of safe sex, and is part of pregnancy screening in the Western World to prevent transmission to the unborn child.
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