Bacterial
About Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It spreads through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex, and from a mother to her unborn baby. Called “the great imitator”, its symptoms often look like other diseases, and most sores go unnoticed.
It progresses in stages: primary (a painless sore), secondary (a non-itchy rash, often on the palms and soles), latent (no symptoms) and tertiary, which can damage the heart, brain and nerves if left untreated.
Symptoms
What to Watch For
- Painless sore on the genitals, anus or mouth, 10–90 days after exposure
- Non-itchy rash, often on the palms and soles
- Swollen lymph glands, fever and weight loss
- White patches inside the mouth
- Often mild or no symptoms
Test Options
How CARIGEN Tests
- Syphilis — detection of Treponema pallidum