syphilis
UK: ˈsɪfɪlɪs | US: ˈsɪfəlɪs
n. a chronic bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, characterized by progressive stages and potential severe complications if untreated.
No data yet.
The word syphilis originates from a 1530 Latin poem Syphilis, sive Morbus Gallicus ("Syphilis, or the French Disease") by Girolamo Fracastoro. The protagonist, Syphilus, was a shepherd punished by Apollo with the disease for insulting the gods. The term was later adopted medically to describe the illness. The name itself may derive from Greek syn (with) + philos (loving), though this is speculative. The word reflects the historical stigma and mythological attribution of the disease.
Syphilis was a major public health concern before the discovery of penicillin.
Untreated syphilis can lead to severe neurological damage.
The doctor ordered a blood test to check for syphilis.
Congenital syphilis occurs when the infection is passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.
Early-stage syphilis is treatable with antibiotics.