Syphilis Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the spiral bacteria called Treponema pallidum. Syphilis consists of three main stages, primary stage, secondary stage, and latent stage. The latent stage may lead to a final stage called the tertiary stage. There are many cures to syphilis, and it is virtually eliminated from today's society. There are a few ways to contract the disease, all of which can be prevented. The primary stage of syphilis is characterized by a small lesion, called a chancre, which resembles a pimple, blister or open sore. This occurs anytime between nine days and three months after infection. Fluid from the chancre is extremely infectious, but usually