What are the stages of syphilis?

The stages of syphilis are correctly identified as primary, secondary, and tertiary. This classification represents the three major phases through which the infection progresses if left untreated.

In the primary stage, a person typically develops a painless sore, known as a chancre, at the site of infection. This sore generally heals on its own, but the bacteria remain in the body.

The secondary stage can occur weeks to months after the first stage and is characterized by a wider range of symptoms, such as skin rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms may also resolve without treatment, but the infection persists.

Finally, the tertiary stage is the most severe and can occur years after the initial infection. At this point, the syphilis bacteria can cause significant damage to organs such as the heart, brain, and nerves, potentially leading to serious health complications.

The other choices do not accurately represent the stages of syphilis, as they describe different processes or stages that are not applicable to this specific infection.