Syphilis

/ˈsɪf.ə.lɪs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, characterized by sores, rashes, and signs of systemic involvement.

He was diagnosed with syphilis after experiencing unusual sores.

The disease can progress through several stages, including primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary syphilis.

Secondary syphilis often presents with a rash and flu-like symptoms.

Syphilis can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including damage to the heart and brain.

It is crucial to treat syphilis early to prevent long-term complications.

The prevalence of syphilis has increased in certain populations in recent years.

Public health campaigns aim to raise awareness about the risks of syphilis.

Syphilis can be effectively treated with antibiotics, especially in its early stages.

After testing positive for syphilis, she received treatment and successfully cleared the infection.

The term 'syphilis' comes from a poem written in 1530 by Giovanni Battista Morgagni, where it was first used to describe the disease.

The great pox

A historical term for syphilis due to its severity.

Chancre

The primary sore associated with the first stage of syphilis.

Secondary syphilis

The second stage characterized by skin rashes.

Treponema pallidum

The bacterium that causes syphilis.

chancre

The ulcer that appears in the primary stage of syphilis.

antibiotic

A type of medication used to treat syphilis.

The pox

He joked about catching 'the pox' at the party, not realizing he might actually mean syphilis.

Bad blood

Some people refer to syphilis as bad blood in certain circles.