Syphilis causes

Overview
Syphilis is caused by a spirochete, treponema pallidum. The spirochete rapidly penetrates via intact mucosal membranes or microscopic dermal abrasions. It is spread through intimate sexual contact, blood transfusion or vertical transmission from infected mother to fetus.

Casusative organism: Treponema Pallidum

 * Small spirochete
 * Labile organism
 * Transmission: requires direct contact with infectious lesion
 * Common modes of transmission: vertical transmission, via blood transfusion, via sexual transmission
 * Light microscope: Invisible
 * Dark field microscope: Distinctive undulating movement seen