What is the causative agent of syphilis?2 marks a) Neisseria gonorrhoeae b) Treponema pallidum c) Chlamydia trachomatis d) Mycoplasma genitalium

Answer

The causative agent of syphilis is b) Treponema pallidum.

Explanation

Treponema pallidum is a spirochete bacterium that is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and is responsible for the sexually transmitted infection known as syphilis. It is important to distinguish this organism from others listed in the options:

1. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of gonorrhea.
2. Chlamydia trachomatis is the agent responsible for chlamydia.
3. Mycoplasma genitalium is associated with non-gonococcal urethritis but not directly with syphilis.

Syphilis progresses through different stages, including primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary syphilis, each with distinct clinical manifestations. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to address this infection effectively.