Stages of Syphilis EXPLAINED | Syphilis Symptoms

Treponema pallidum

The bacterium that causes syphilis; it is a spirochete.

primary syphilis

The initial stage of syphilis characterized by a painless ulcer called a shanker.

shanker

A raised lesion that becomes a painless ulcer with a firm border, associated with primary syphilis.

bilateral lymphadenopathy

Swelling of lymph nodes on both sides of the body, commonly seen in primary syphilis.

secondary syphilis

The stage of syphilis where the infection becomes widespread, characterized by constitutional symptoms and a diffuse rash.

constitutional symptoms

General symptoms such as fever, malaise, myalgias, and weight loss seen in secondary syphilis.

diffuse rash

Characteristic rash in secondary syphilis that is symmetric and affects the trunk, extremities, and palms and soles.

condylomata lata

Wart-like lesions that can appear in the genital area during secondary syphilis.

tertiary syphilis

Late stage of syphilis characterized by gummatous lesions and cardiovascular involvement.

gummas

Granulomatous lesions that can occur anywhere in the body during tertiary syphilis.

neurosyphilis

Infection affecting the nervous system that can occur at any stage of syphilis, but more often at secondary or tertiary stages.

uveitis

Eye inflammation that can occur in conjunction with neurosyphilis.

latent syphilis

Stage of syphilis where patients are asymptomatic but may have positive serology.

early latent syphilis

Stage where syphilis was contracted within the last 12 months and is still detectable.

late latent syphilis

Stage of syphilis when positive serology is present, but the timing of infection is unclear.

diagnosis of primary syphilis

Identified by the presence of a painless lesion, known as a shanker.