Final answer:
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and is spread through contact with syphilitic sores, as well as infected body fluids. It progresses through multiple stages if untreated, and testing and treatment with antibiotics like penicillin are crucial, especially during pregnancy to avoid transmission to the fetus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection primarily spread through direct contact with syphilitic sores, known as chancres. These sores can appear on the external genitals, vagina, anus, lips, or in the mouth. The bacterium responsible for syphilis is Treponema pallidum, a gram-negative spirochete that triggers an immune response, causing tissue damage that may aid its dissemination. Syphilis can also be transmitted through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, semen, and saliva, and this can occur via sexual transmission, IV drug use, or through health-care workers treating infected patients.
Syphilis progresses through several stages, typically primary, secondary, and tertiary, if not treated effectively with antibiotics like penicillin. The primary stage is marked by the appearance of a hard chancre, which is highly infectious. Syphilis during pregnancy is concerning, as it can be passed to the newborn with potentially fatal consequences. Pregnant women are advised to undergo testing for syphilis, and if diagnosed, treatment with penicillin is highly effective at preventing transmission to the fetus.