Author: Aaron Lessen, MD
Educational Pearls:
- Re-emerging STI.
- Progresses through distinct phases if untreated:
- Primary syphilis: frequently overlooked because initial chancre is painless.
- Secondary syphilis: viral syndrome, rash on trunk, palms, and soles.
- Latent syphilis: asymptomatic period, lasting 5-20 years.
- Tertiary syphilis: includes neurosyphilis (dementia, encephalitis, etc.) and cardiovascular syphilis (aortitis, etc).
- Treatment penicillin G 2.4 million units once for primary or secondary treatment; once weekly for 3 weeks for latent/tertiary.
References
Mattei, P., Beachkofsky, T., Gilson, R., Wisco, O. Syphilis: A reemerging infection. 2012. American Family Physician., 86(5), 433-440.