Syphilis

Syphilis

Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, syphilis is sexually transmitted. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. This disease can affect all organs and have serious consequences if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Our missions

  • Monitoring the epidemiological trends of syphilis

  • Describe the clinical, biological, and behavioral characteristics of people with the disease

  • Promote the adoption of preventive behaviors

  • Informing the general public

  • Issue alerts in the event of an increase in the number of cases and/or clusters of cases diagnosed in the same location

question-sexualite.fr

The disease

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. As a significant public health concern, syphilis is monitored by Santé publique France, and prevention and screening programs are in place to target the populations most at risk.

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What We Do

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. New cases of syphilis are on the rise between 2022 and 2024, particularly among women aged 50 and older and those aged 15 to 25. Unfortunately, while these infections do not always cause visible symptoms in...

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Data

Screening services

Reimbursed screenings in the private and public sectors, excluding public hospitalizations (SNDS)

In 2024, 3.7 million people were screened for syphilis at least once, representing a national screening rate of 53 per 1,000 inhabitants (Figure 1).

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of...

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Publications

Here you will find the latest scientific publications related to the studies and research conducted by Santé publique France.

2 publications

In relation to

Hepatitis B and D

thematic dossier

Viral liver infections can be very severe; hepatitis B and D are transmitted through sexual contact, blood, and from mother to fetus. Vaccination and screening are the cornerstones of prevention.

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Sexual health

thematic dossier

Santé publique France focuses in particular on four areas of sexual health: sexually transmitted infections, including HIV; contraception; combating discrimination; and violence.

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VIH/sida

HIV/AIDS

thematic dossier

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a sexually transmitted human retrovirus. It weakens the immune system, and if left untreated, leads to AIDS.

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