a common venereal disease caused by the treponema pallidum spirochete; symptoms change through progressive stages; can be congenital (transmitted through the placenta)
"The doctor explained that syphilis is a serious infection passed from mother to child during pregnancy if left untreated."
A disease spread via sexual activity, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
"The doctor confirmed that his recent fatigue was due to syphilis and prescribed antibiotics immediately after testing positive for the infection."