Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease produced by a bacterial infection caused by a microorganism called Treponema pallidum. When the disease is contracted, a sore may appear which is generally painless and which may go unnoticed. Often, syphilis does not present other symptoms, although the patient may notice genital lumps, rashes, swollen glands or patches on the tongue.
The disease can be diagnosed with a blood test. The treatment for this bacterial infection is very simple, however if it goes untreated, it can cause health problems later on.