Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is typically passed through sexual contact. However, it can be passed on by intravenous drug use (injecting drugs directly into the vein), blood transfusions and from an infected mother to her unborn child. Syphilis can also be spread through blood transfusions. In the UK, all blood transfusions are routinely screened (tested) for syphilis. Syphilis, while recognised early on as being a worldwide scourge, defies easy identification. Known as ‘the great imitator’, it mimics in all its stages, from the first genital lesion through its horrific later progress, many other conditions, which inhibits easy diagnosis. Read more...