a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by the organism treponema pallidum is
Syphilis Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum.[2] The signs and symptoms of syphilis vary depending in which of the four stages it presents (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary).[1] The primary stage classically presents with a single chancre (a firm, painless, non-itchy skin ulceration) but there may be multiple sores.[1] In secondary syphilis a diffuse rash occurs, which frequently involves the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.[1] There may also be sores in the mouth or vagina.[1] In latent syphilis, which can last for years, there are few or no symptoms.[1] In tertiary syphilis there are gummas (soft non-cancerous growths), neurological, or heart symptoms.[5] Syphilis has been known as "the great imitator" as it may cause symptoms similar to many other diseases.[1][5]