Syphilis – an update

Abstract

Syphilis is a chronic, multi-stage bacterial infection disease caused by the spirochate Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum. In the primary stage of the disease, there is usually an ulcer formation (primary affection) in the genitoanal region. During the secondary stage, numerous, mainly skin-related disorders may appear. After a latency lasting up to several decades, a further stage can develop, in which the skin, the heart or the nervous system (neurosyphilis) is particularly affected. Applying an adequate antibacterial treatment regime with benzylpenicillin derivatives, syphilis can be cured in most cases at any stage of the disease. Exposure prophylaxis is most important in the prevention of syphilis.