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Diseases & Topics

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum bacteria. Syphilis is transmitted by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Mothers can also transmit syphilis to their unborn babies, resulting in severe consequences such as miscarriage, stillbirth, deformed bones and brain abnormalities.

Syphilis is curable with antibiotics, but if left untreated the infection can progress through four distinct stages: primary, secondary, latent and tertiary stages External link.

Untreated syphilis can result in significant disease morbidity including ocular, otic and neurosyphilis as well as damage to the blood vessels and vital organs.

Find out where you can be tested and receive treatment External link for syphilis or other STDs.

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