Surreal illustration of the resurgence of syphilis.

Syphilis: Understanding Its Resurgence and Prevention

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"Explore the reasons behind the re-emergence of this old foe and what you can do to protect yourself and others."

Syphilis, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has seen a troubling resurgence in recent years. Once thought to be under control, this 'old foe' is back, posing a significant public health challenge globally. Understanding syphilis, its transmission, and prevention is more crucial than ever.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that millions of new cases occur each year. Syphilis can have devastating consequences if left untreated, including damage to the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, and can even be fatal. Pregnant women with untreated syphilis can transmit the infection to their fetuses, leading to congenital syphilis, which causes significant health problems and infant mortality.

This article provides a detailed overview of syphilis, from its causes and symptoms to its treatment and prevention strategies. We'll explore the factors driving its re-emergence, particularly among high-risk groups, and discuss the latest approaches to combatting this infectious disease.

What Causes Syphilis and How Is It Transmitted?

Surreal illustration of the resurgence of syphilis.

Treponema pallidum is typically transmitted through sexual contact with an infected individual. The bacterium enters the body through minor cuts or abrasions in the skin or mucous membranes. Syphilis can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus during pregnancy or childbirth.

It's important to know that syphilis is not spread through casual contact, such as sharing utensils, toilet seats, or touching doorknobs. The primary modes of transmission are:

Sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex)
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) during pregnancy

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent syphilis, making education and awareness about transmission risks essential for prevention.

What Can We Do to Stop the Spread of Syphilis?

Syphilis remains a significant public health challenge, but with increased awareness, timely testing, and effective treatment, its spread can be controlled. By focusing on prevention, early detection, and comprehensive care, we can work towards a future where syphilis is no longer a threat to individual and public health.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.15698/mic2016.09.523, Alternate LINK

Title: Syphilis: Re-Emergence Of An Old Foe

Subject: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous)

Journal: Microbial Cell

Publisher: Shared Science Publishers OG

Authors: Lola V. Stamm

Published: 2016-09-05

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly causes syphilis, and how does it spread from one person to another?

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium *Treponema pallidum*. It's primarily transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person via small cuts or abrasions on the skin or mucous membranes. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) can also occur during pregnancy or childbirth. It's crucial to understand that syphilis isn't spread through casual contact like sharing utensils or touching doorknobs.

Why is the resurgence of syphilis considered a major public health issue?

The resurgence of syphilis is a significant public health concern because, if left untreated, it can lead to severe health complications. These include damage to the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. In pregnant women, untreated syphilis can result in congenital syphilis in their babies, causing significant health issues and even infant mortality. The World Health Organization estimates millions of new cases each year, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness, testing, and treatment.

Is there a vaccine available to prevent syphilis, and if not, what are the best ways to protect myself?

Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine available to prevent syphilis infection. Prevention relies heavily on education and awareness regarding transmission risks. Safe sex practices, such as consistent condom use, and regular testing, especially for high-risk groups, are essential for controlling the spread. Early detection through screening and prompt treatment with antibiotics are the most effective strategies available.

What are the major factors that are contributing to the continued spread of syphilis?

Several factors contribute to the ongoing spread, including a lack of awareness about the disease and its symptoms, insufficient access to testing and treatment, and risky sexual behaviors. Certain populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), may be disproportionately affected. Addressing these factors requires a multi-faceted approach involving public health campaigns, increased funding for testing and treatment programs, and targeted interventions for high-risk groups. Further research into the social determinants of health and behavior is also needed.

What steps can be taken to effectively control and reduce the spread of syphilis?

Controlling syphilis requires a comprehensive approach focused on prevention, early detection, and effective treatment. This includes promoting safe sexual practices, increasing access to testing, ensuring prompt treatment for those infected, and implementing public health campaigns to raise awareness. Focusing on high-risk populations, such as through targeted outreach and screening programs, is also crucial. Continuous monitoring of syphilis rates and trends is necessary to adapt and refine prevention strategies.