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The pathogen that causes syphilis is called "Treponema pallidum." It's spiral shaped and belongs to the spirochete family of bacteria. The first documented case can be traced back to Europe in 1495.

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The first symptom of the disease may be a painless sore that's found on the mouth, genitals, or rectum. Syphilis can lie dormant in the body for many years without causing issues; however, if left untreated it can cause life-threatening issues to the heart, brain, or other organs.

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Treatment of Syphilis historically (before antibiotics) included a variety of ineffective methods. Those include: Guaiacum ("Holy Wood") which would make the person sweat, vomit, and have diarrhea and vomiting. Once that treatment fell out of favor, sufferers would use mercury which may have helped with symptoms in the first and final stages of syphilis but caused side-effects that could be deadly. It wasn't until 1905 that the bacteria was discovered and then science had the clues to try and find a way to fight the bacteria.

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Syphilis can be passed to a baby during pregnancy/childbirth or by breastfeeding. Pregnant people should be tested for syphilis during their prenatal checkups.

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The cure for syphilis is penicillin. It usually only takes one injection to cure; however, late stage syphilis may take multiple injections. For patients who have an allergy to penicillin other antibiotics, usually doxycycline or ceftriaxone, may be used.

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Primary syphilis is the initial infection stage. It begins with a sore called a chancre. It may or may not be painful. This chancre shows up about 3 weeks after initial exposure and heals after 3-6 weeks.

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Secondary syphilis occurs after primary syphilis. It usually looks like a rash (red or brownish) that is not itchy. There could also be sores, fever, muscle aches, hair loss, fatigue, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes.

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Tertiary syphilis is the last stage of syphilis and occurs after the latent stage (where syphilis usually lies dormant/unnoticed). It occurs in 30-40% of people who don't get treatment. It causes tissue growths, cardiovascular disease, and brain issues like memory loss, dementia, blindness, psychosis, changes in personality, and nerve pain.

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Since syphilis is typically transmitted via vaginal, oral, and anal sexual contact it's important to wear protection with partners. Additionally, there is no vaccine for syphilis but getting tested regularly for STIs will allow individuals to catch the disease in the early stage and treat it easily with antibiotics.

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There was a spike in syphilis between 2018-2022 where cases rose by 80%. Cases for congenital syphilis (newborns) were 10 times higher in 2022 than in 2012. African Americans and Native Americans were a disproportionately large amount of cases but it's important to remember that this disease can affect anyone.