Healthy Populations Exam 3 Practice

Syphilis spreads when there is direct contact with infectious lesions, because the bacteria live in sores such as chancres on the genitals, mouth, or other mucous membranes. That makes sexual activity the primary route, since it brings those lesions into contact. It can also be transmitted if there is contact with an infectious lesion during kissing or biting, provided a sore is involved in the mouth or on the skin. In addition, a pregnant person with syphilis can pass the infection to the fetus, leading to congenital syphilis. It’s not spread through casual air exposure, and while blood exposure can transmit in rare situations (like contaminated needles or blood products), that is not the typical route highlighted here.