Alive and Well

Syphilis, the word brings to mind to most a disease of the past. In truth syphilis is alive and well today and a very active participant in that select club known as sexually transmitted infections (STI). By no means is syphilis the terrible killer that it was for over 400 years. The invention of penicillin reduced the cases of syphilis astronomically. Yet, even though there is a simple treatment for syphilis, people still are infected with it today and fail to receive treatment and then infect others keeping the vicious cycle of syphilis alive.

Syphilis is a infection caused by a bacteria called Treponema Pallidum (CDC, 2004). This bacteria is extremely fragile, and cannot be spread during contact with objects such as toilet seats or towels. It is transmitted by sexual contact or from a mother to her unborn child. The bacteria enters the body through...