Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Globally, it is the third most common bacterial-type HIST after chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Transmission
Syphilis is transmitted through any type of sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal and oral) and by blood. An infected mother can transmit syphilis to her unborn child during pregnancy (transplacental route), through passage through the birth canal, and by breastfeeding.
Specifically, it is defined as:
- Acquired syphilis the infection contracted after birth
- Congenital or prenatal syphilis that contracted transplacentally
- Connatal syphilis that acquired at the time of passage through the birth canal.
