Syphilis
摘要
Syphilis or lues is a chronic venereal infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. It is usually sexually transmitted and is characterized by episodes of active disease interrupted by periods of latency. The name “syphilis” was derived from a poem written by Fracastorius of Verona in 1530 describing the legend of a shepherd, the mythological handsome boy, Syphilus, who was cursed by Apollo with the disease. A complete history is summarized in Table 26.1.