BC Drug and Poison Information Centre - Poison Control Service 1.800.567.8911           

Skip navigation.

In This Section

Syphilis

Treponema pallidum
Treponema pallidum		 Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Anyone who comes into close physical contact with a person who has syphilis can develop syphilis - exposure can result from close contact with an infected person's genitals, mouth, or rectum. If left untreated, syphilis can progress to a late stage that causes serious health problems. If detected, syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment cannot reverse the damage caused by the complications of late-stage syphilis, but it can prevent further complications.

Facts & Figures

Get an overview about syphilis. Learn about the causes, treatments and prevention.

Information for Health Professionals

Web Resources

Last Updated: March 15, 2012