Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The most common initial symptom is a painless sore called a chancre (pronounced "shanker") that develops on the genitals.
Syphilis can be easily cured with antibiotics. If left untreated, syphilis can eventually lead to serious health problems, such as blindness or heart problems.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
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