Bejel is a rare infectious disease caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium (spirochete), known as Treponema pallidum endemicum. Under a microscope, T. p. endemicum is virtually indistinguishable from Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis.

What does Bejel mean?

Medical Definition of bejel

: a disease that is endemic chiefly in children of dry hot regions of northern Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, is marked by bone and skin lesions, and is caused by a spirochete of the genus Treponema (T. endemicum) closely related to the causative agent of syphilis.

Is Pinta an STD?

Pinta, a non-venereal treponemal infection caused by Treponema pallidum subsp. carateum, occurs almost exclusively among the dark-skinned population of Central and South America and Cuba. It is transmitted by direct contact and is frequently seen in children of affected parents.