Clinical Stages of Syphilis

Note: the following signs and symptoms may or may not be present in syphilis cases. Syphilis signs and symptoms vary from patient to patient, with some patients being asymptomatic at all stages.

Tertiary syphilis can cause bone, cardiovascular and neurological changes in up to one third of untreated people at least seven years after the initial infection. Tertiary syphilis is now rare due to effective treatment and the widespread use of antibiotics. It can occur more rapidly in people co-infected with HIV.

People with tertiary syphilis are no longer infectious to sexual partners but congenital syphilis can still be passed onto the baby during pregnancy.

The diagnosis of tertiary syphilis is difficult and should always be done in consultation with an appropriate specialist.