<Tr> <Th> Deaths </Th> <Td> 107,000 (2015) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum . The signs and symptoms of syphilis vary depending in which of the four stages it presents (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). The primary stage classically presents with a single chancre (a firm, painless, non-itchy skin ulceration) but there may be multiple sores . In secondary syphilis a diffuse rash occurs, which frequently involves the palms of the hands and soles of the feet . There may also be sores in the mouth or vagina . In latent syphilis, which can last for years, there are few or no symptoms . In tertiary syphilis there are gummas (soft non-cancerous growths), neurological, or heart symptoms . Syphilis has been known as "the great imitator" as it may cause symptoms similar to many other diseases . </P> <P> Syphilis is most commonly spread through sexual activity . It may also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or at birth, resulting in congenital syphilis . Other human diseases caused by related Treponema pallidum subspecies include yaws (subspecies pertenue), pinta (subspecies carateum), and bejel (subspecies endemicum). Diagnosis is usually made by using blood tests; the bacteria can also be detected using dark field microscopy . The Center for Disease Control recommends all pregnant women be tested . </P>

A highly contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by the organism treponema pallidum is