Final answer:
The syphilis-causing bacterium can remain dormant for a lifetime after initial symptoms disappear, making answer D. Lifetime, the correct choice for the maximum time period of dormancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Latent Stage of Syphilis Duration
After the initial symptoms of syphilis have disappeared, the syphilis-causing bacterium Treponema pallidum can remain dormant in the body. During the latent stage, there are no symptoms, but the bacteria are still present and can be detected through blood tests. Without treatment, the latent stage may persist indefinitely, meaning for the lifetime of the individual.
The progression of syphilis without appropriate antibiotic therapy can continue through the primary, secondary, and tertiary stages. In the latent phase, following the secondary stage characterized by a rash and other systemic symptoms, the disease is no longer symptomatic but the bacteria remain viable and can last for years or even for a lifetime if not treated effectively. Ultimately, untreated syphilis can progress to tertiary syphilis, potentially causing serious and life-threatening damage to internal organs.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question regarding the maximum time period for which the syphilis germ can remain dormant is D. Lifetime.