Syphilis is caused by which organism?

Syphilis is specifically caused by a bacterium known as Treponema pallidum. This organism is a spirochete, which means it has a spiral shape that enables it to move in a corkscrew motion through bodily fluids, assisting in its invasion of host tissues. The infectious process begins when Treponema pallidum enters the body, typically through small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, often during sexual contact.

The other organisms listed are associated with different sexually transmitted infections. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is responsible for gonorrhea, while Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydia, and Mycoplasma genitalium is linked to non-gonococcal urethritis. Each of these pathogens has distinct characteristics and transmission routes, but none are the causative agent of syphilis. Therefore, identifying Treponema pallidum as the causative agent is crucial for understanding the disease's clinical manifestations and guiding appropriate treatment.