Syphilis is a communicable disease caused by the motile microaerophilic spirochete Treponema pallidum, which is natural pathogen for human. Prevalence of syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases has traditionally fluctuated with changes
in
social conditions and sexual behavior. Although sexual contact is the main route of transmission, T. pallidum may also be infected through direct contact with syphilitic lesions, blood transfusion, ingestion of menstrual blood or vaginal
secretions, or
transplacental transmission, Fomites as the means of transfer is only hypothetical and account for very few, if any laboratory technicians are at risk for accidental inoculation with infected materials. In extremely unusual circumstances,
infection
by
means of contact with a skin lesion and human bite have been reported.
We report two cases of syphilis following the abnormal imposition of hands, which caused unnecessary erosive trauma with fingernails. (Kor J Dermatol 1994 ; 32(3) : 542~546).
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