Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

Although spread through sexual contact, it is frequently passed to an unborn child by its infected mother, where it can cause congenital syphilis resulting in high rates of still birth and increased infant mortality rates.

Primary syphilis is when sores appear at the point where the bacteria entered the body. These sores can appear anywhere such as: around the opening of the urethra, penis, foreskin and anus in men; the vulva, clitoris, cervix, urethra and anus in women.

Secondary occurs when untreated sores have appeared and healed. It is still infectious and maintains its ability to be passed on.

Tertiary syphilis is a progression from untreated secondary syphilis. Untreated syphilis can, after many years, cause serious damage to the heart, brain, eyes, internal organs and nervous system, which can ultimately lead to death.

Over 12 million new cases of the disease are reported each year, including 14,000 reported cases in the U.S, 8,000 cases in Germany and 3,000 reported cases in the U.K. There are an estimated 2.5 million cases in the Western Pacific Region, with another 930,000 cases in Brazil.

It can be passed on from one person to another through sex (vaginal, anal and oral) and also by direct skin contact with syphilis sores or rashes. Symptoms do not have to be visible for it to be passed on. It can still be transmitted before sores appear or after they have disappeared. Pregnant women can also pass syphilis onto their unborn baby.

If it is not treated effectively, it can spread to other parts of the body. This can result in long term complications, such as damage to the heart, brain, eyes and other organs. Ultimately, this damage can even lead to death. Confidante is made by Randox Health.