latent syphilis [L, latere, to be concealed; Gk, syn, together, philein, to love] , a stage of syphilis infection in which no clinical symptoms appear, although serological tests indicate the presence of the syphilis spirochete. Latent syphilis occurs in two phases following secondary syphilis. The early phase occurs within 1 year of infection, and the late phase occurs after 1 year of infection. Latency can persist for 3 to 30 years and may or may not progress to tertiary syphilis. See also syphilis.
