A contagious bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. It is a sexually transmitted disorder, although it can also be transmitted from the mother to the fetus in utero. Typically, it is initially manifested with a single sore which heals without treatment. If the infection is left untreated, the initial stage is followed by skin rash and mucous membrane lesions. A late stage follows, which is characterized by damage of the internal organs, including the nervous system.

A primary bacterial infectious disease that is a sexually transmitted systemic disease, has_material_basis_in Treponema pallidum subsp pallidum, which is transmitted_by sexual contact, transmitted_by blood product transfusion, transmitted_by congenital method from mother to fetus or transmitted_by contact with infectious lesions. If left untreated, produces chancres, rashes, and systemic lesions in a clinical course with three stages continued over many years.

A contagious venereal disease caused by the spirochete TREPONEMA PALLIDUM.