Early syphilis

**Definition:** A disease caused by an infection with the gram-negative bacteria Treponema pallidum pallidum, including primary and secondary stages of syphilis, and early latent syphilis of less than 2 years duration. This disease is characterised by a single chancre in the primary stage, and diffuse rash in the secondary stage. Transmission is commonly by sexual contact.

**Exclusions:** - Early congenital syphilis