Contributor: Gordon K. Klintworth
Tertiary syphilis is one of the stages of acquired syphilis [syphilis - acquired]. During this phase of the infection caused by Treponema pallidum the nervous system may be predominantly affected (neurosyphilis). Syphilis of the optic nerve occurs during the tertiary stages. A granulomatous optic neuritis may develop in tertiary syphilis and optic atrophy is common in tabes dorsalis. An Argyll Robertson pupil is common in neurosyphilis. Gummas can involve the conjunctiva. A saber tibia is a feature of gummatous periostitis.