Section : History & Terminology

Syphilis – How was the cause found ?

  • In 1905 , the cause of syphilis was found by two German dermatologists: a spirochaete bacteria called Treponema Pallidum
  • When presented at a meeting of the Berlin medical society, the president, Prof Ernst Von Bergmann, cut him short with words he no doubt later regretted. “This terminates the discussion – until the next cause of syphilis is brought to our attention”

*Dr Erich Hoffmann & Dr Fritz Schaudinn.

Source of information: Crissey JT el al. Dermatology and Dermatologists (2002). Parthenon Publishing