What should you know about spirochetes and syphilis?

Treponema pallidum can enter through small breaks in skin or mucous membranes during sexual contact. Syphilis may begin with a sore that is easy to miss, followed by a rash or other symptoms; symptoms can then settle while infection remains. Untreated infection can affect the nervous system, eyes, ears, heart, or blood vessels. A person can also have no obvious symptoms, so appearance alone cannot confirm or exclude it.

A positive screening result usually needs clinical interpretation and, depending on the test, additional blood testing. Tell the clinician about previous treatment because antibodies can remain detectable after infection has been treated.

Arrange STI screening if you may have been exposed, have a new unexplained sore or rash, or a sexual partner has been diagnosed. Avoid sexual contact until a clinician gives clear advice about testing, treatment, and partner management. Take prescribed antibiotic treatment exactly as directed and attend follow-up appointments. Do not share medication or assume a past course covers a new exposure.

Seek prompt medical assessment for eye pain or vision change, hearing change, severe headache, weakness, confusion, or a rash with fever. Pregnancy and possible syphilis exposure also warrant early clinical advice because treatment planning can protect both the pregnant person and baby. Emergency symptoms such as collapse or sudden neurological change require emergency services.

Ask which tests are needed, when to repeat them, whether partners need assessment, and when sexual contact can safely resume after treatment.