Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Left untreated, it progresses through distinct stages, beginning with a painless sore at the site of infection and potentially advancing, years later, to affect the heart, brain, and other organs. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant person to a fetus, a form known as congenital syphilis.
Facts
Classification
ICD-10 ChapterI: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases 2 Communicable or Non-communicable Transmission Route Condition Classinfectious, bacterial, chronic 3 Causative AgentThe bacterium Treponema pallidum. 3 First Described PrevalenceWHO estimates that 8 million adults between 15 and 49 years old acquired syphilis in 2022. 3 Connections
Associated With
Compound 606, marketed as Salvarsan, was an arsenic based agent effective against the spirochete bacteria that cause syphilis.
Treated By
Source Arsphenamine (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Syphilis
WikipediaWikipedia: Syphilis, History
The first written records of an outbreak of syphilis in Europe occurred in 1495 in Naples, Italy, during a French invasion.
Lead section, body-system statement
The primary stage classically presents with a single chancre (a firm, painless, non-itchy skin ulceration usually between 1 cm and 2 cm in diameter), though there may be multiple sores.
Lead section, transmission-route statement
Syphilis () is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum.
View the Source 2. Wikipedia: ICD-10
WikipediaList of chapters, Chapter IQuote, List of chapters, Chapter I
Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
3. World Health Organization Fact Sheets
WHO fact sheet: Syphilis, Overview
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
WHO fact sheet: Syphilis, Key facts
WHO estimates that 8 million adults between 15 and 49 years old acquired syphilis in 2022.
Arsphenamine (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationTreated By: Arsphenamine, Lead sectionQuote, Treated By: Arsphenamine, Lead section
the first effective treatment for the deadly infectious diseases syphilis
Frequently Asked Questions
When does syphilis first appear in European written records?
In 1495 in Naples during a French invasion.
The first written records of an outbreak of syphilis in Europe date to 1495 in Naples, Italy, during a French invasion. The causative bacterium, Treponema pallidum, was identified long after that outbreak was first recorded.
How many people does the World Health Organization estimate acquired syphilis in 2022?
About 8 million adults aged 15 to 49.
WHO estimates that 8 million adults between 15 and 49 years old acquired syphilis in 2022. This figure is a modelled estimate for that age group and that year, published in the WHO fact sheet on syphilis.
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