Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The most common initial symptom is a painless sore called a chancre (say "shanker") that develops on the genitals.

Syphilis can be easily cured with antibiotics. If syphilis is not treated, it can eventually lead to serious health problems, such as blindness or heart problems.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Last Revised	September 30, 2009