Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Spirochete Treponema is a gram-negative, microaerophilic spirochete. Owing to its very thin structure, it is not easily seen on Gram stain, but can be visualized using dark-field microscopy. This spirochete contains endoflagella, which allow for a characteristic corkscrew movement. Treponema Treponema Treponema Treponema is a gram-negative, microaerophilic spirochete. Owing to its very thin structure, it is not easily seen on Gram stain, but can be visualized using dark-field microscopy. This spirochete contains endoflagella, which allow for a characteristic corkscrew movement. Treponema pallidum pallidum (T. p. pallidum), which is usually spread through sexual contact. Syphilis has 4 clinical stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Primary syphilis begins with a chancre, a painless ulcer on the genitals. Progression to secondary syphilis manifests as a generalized maculopapular Maculopapular Dermatologic Examination rash Rash Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which includes the palms and soles. The development of tertiary syphilis can cause severe neurologic (neurosyphilis), cardiovascular, and/or gummatous disease. The diagnosis is through both treponemal and nontreponemal testing. Penicillin G Penicillin G A penicillin derivative commonly used in the form of its sodium or potassium salts in the treatment of a variety of infections. It is effective against most gram-positive bacteria and against gram-negative cocci. It has also been used as an experimental convulsant because of its actions on gamma-aminobutyric acid mediated synaptic transmission. Penicillins is the antibiotic of choice. The duration of management varies based on the stage of the disease.
Last updated: 30 Mar, 2022
Syphilis is a multistage disease. Patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship can present at any stage and infected individuals may not exhibit symptoms for years.
Primary, painless chancre of syphilis (T. p. pallidum infection)
Image: “Chancres on the penile shaft Penile Shaft Bowen Disease and Erythroplasia of Queyrat due to a primary syphilitic infection caused by Treponema Treponema Treponema is a gram-negative, microaerophilic spirochete. Owing to its very thin structure, it is not easily seen on Gram stain, but can be visualized using dark-field microscopy. This spirochete contains endoflagella, which allow for a characteristic corkscrew movement. Treponema pallidum 6803 lores” by M. Rein. License: Public DomainDiffuse cutaneous lesions on the palms of a patient with secondary syphilis
Image: “Neurosyphilis: An Unresolved Case of Meningitis Meningitis Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes of the brain, and spinal cord. The causes of meningitis are varied, with the most common being bacterial or viral infection. The classic presentation of meningitis is a triad of fever, altered mental status, and nuchal rigidity. Meningitis” by Ahsan S, Burrascano J. License: CC BY 3.0Generalized maculopapular Maculopapular Dermatologic Examination rash Rash Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever on the trunk of a patient with secondary syphilis
Image: “Early malignant syphilis” by Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. License: CC BY 4.0Condyloma Condyloma Sexually transmitted form of anogenital warty growth caused by the human papillomaviruses. Male Genitourinary Examination lata in a patient with secondary syphilis
Image: “11257” by Susan Lindsley. License: Public DomainA gumma on the palate Palate The palate is the structure that forms the roof of the mouth and floor of the nasal cavity. This structure is divided into soft and hard palates. Palate: Anatomy of a patient with tertiary syphilis
Image: “16762” by CDC. License: Public DomainIt is difficult to diagnose syphilis. However, specific labs and the correlation Correlation Determination of whether or not two variables are correlated. This means to study whether an increase or decrease in one variable corresponds to an increase or decrease in the other variable. Causality, Validity, and Reliability of history and examination results can lead to a diagnosis.
Definitive tests using obtained specimens (such as mucosal lesions). However, use is limited since the tests are not routinely available.
Darkfield microscopy of T. p. pallidum:
Corkscrew-shaped
Corkscrew-shaped
Borrelia
bacteria
Bacteria
Bacteria are prokaryotic single-celled microorganisms that are metabolically active and divide by binary fission. Some of these organisms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of diseases.
Bacteriology are seen.
For primary, secondary, or early-latent syphilis, the following antibiotics can be used:
For late-latent syphilis, tertiary syphilis, or syphilis of unknown duration, the following regimen is used: