Final answer:
The syphilis germ, caused by Treponema pallidum, can live in the human body for many years if not treated. Syphilis progresses through primary, secondary, and tertiary stages, with a latent phase where the bacteria are present but asymptomatic. Penicillin is typically used to treat syphilis, and untreated syphilis can be fatal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The syphilis germ, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, can live for a substantial amount of time within the human body if not treated effectively. After infecting an individual, T. pallidum moves rapidly into the bloodstream and other tissues, and the disease progresses through three distinct stages if left untreated: primary syphilis, secondary syphilis, and tertiary syphilis.
During the latent phase of the disease, which can occur after secondary syphilis, the bacteria remain in the body without causing symptoms and can persist for many years. Finally, without appropriate antibiotic therapy, the disease can occur in a chronic form known as tertiary syphilis, which may damage major organs and result in severe health consequences including death.
Treatment for syphilis is typically with penicillin; a single injection can cure primary, secondary, or early latent syphilis. In case of late latent or tertiary syphilis, three doses administered at weekly intervals are generally required. If left untreated, syphilis can be fatal, and in pregnant women, untreated syphilis can result in infant death in likely up to 40 percent of cases.