The Relation between Syphilis and Yaws as Observed in American Samoa 1

Immunology of Syphilis

“…Parham (30) and Butler (31) observed that in areas where yaws is prevalent there is little venereal syphilis, which sug gests that adults are protected against syphilis as a result of yaws contracted during childhood.…”

Role of Acquired Immunity to T. pallidum in the Control of Syphilis

“…WVhether or not the strains are identical is not so important to this discussion, however, as the fact that cross immunity occurs between them. In areas of the world (or within one country) where yaws has been highly endemic, venereal syphilis is rare, and in areas where yaws is not prevalent, venereal syphilis is usually found (12,13). It appears that one side Vol.…”