Syphilis is caused by a spirochete (a worm-like spiral-shaped bacteria) called Treponema pallidum. You can get the bacteria in the following ways: direct contact with a syphilis sore (usually found on the vagina, anus, rectum, in the mouth, or on the lips) during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
If caught early, syphilis may be cured with antibiotics. A single dose of penicillin is extremely effective in treating the early stages of syphilis, and the antibiotic also is fairly effective (in larger doses) in treating the later stages of the disease. And takes different amounts of time depending on how much you take.
