What bacterial infection has many similarities with syphilis?

The bacterial infection that has many similarities with syphilis is yaws. Yaws is a tropical infection caused by the bacterium _Treponema pertenue_. It is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person's skin or mucous membranes. Yaws is characterized by skin lesions that start as small, painless papules and develop into larger, ulcerating sores. These lesions can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, arms, and legs.

Yaws is similar to syphilis in that both infections are caused by spirochete bacteria and both can cause skin lesions, fever, and joint pain. However, yaws is typically less severe than syphilis and it is not usually transmitted sexually. Yaws is also more common in children than in adults.

Yaws can be treated with antibiotics. Penicillin is the antibiotic of choice, but other antibiotics can also be used. Early diagnosis and treatment of yaws can prevent serious complications, such as scarring, joint damage, and blindness.