Definition Statistics Stages of infection Testing Treatment Prevention Definition Syphilis is caused by the spirochaete bacterium Treponema pallidum. Acquired syphilis is usually transmitted through sexual intercourse and rarely by kissing, hand contact, or other close personal contact.
Infection can also pass from mother to unborn baby.
In recent years, less than 100 cases of syphilis have occurred each year in South Australia. The majority of cases have occurred in the Aboriginal population. A primary chancre may develop during this period. The chancre is a painless round lesion which is usually on the genitals. A secondary stage appears 2 to 4 months after infection, lasting several weeks and often recurring in the following 2 years.