Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by the spirochete bacterium, Treponema pallidum and was first recognized as a sexually transmitted disease in the 1400s.1 Syphilis is transmitted sexually via direct contact with mucocutaneous syphilitic lesions (e.g., chancre and condyloma lata) or during pregnancy via vertical transmission from the mother to the fetus.2 Average incubation time is 21 days, but can range from 10 to 90 days.2 Risk factors for syphilis infection include men who have sex with men (MSM), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, having a partner with syphilis infection, previous syphilis infection, high-risk sexual behavior (defined as ≥4 partners in the past year), and high prevalence of syphilis infection in the population.
Source: Disease a Month - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Source Type: research