Syphilis in Darker Skin: Diagnosis and Management

00:01 So suspecting syphilis, how do we confirm the diagnosis of syphilis? Firstly, clinical history and physical examination will assist us as described. And remember that Treponema pallidum cannot be cultivated in vitro. So the serologic testing is the gold standard.

00:21 The first step, which is a nontreponemal test.

00:24 And these tests are usually undertaken.

00:29 The second step is treponemal tests.

00:34 In case of the positive results, in the first step that we've mentioned and the following tests are also undertaken for the second step.

00:44 We can also do dark field microscopy, but it is usually not available in clinical settings. So how do we manage patients with syphilis? Penicillins are used as a treatment of choice for all stages of syphilis.

01:00 Penicillin G benzathine 2.4 million units intramuscularly once is used. In case of allergy to penicillin the tetracyclines, e.g. doxycycline, can be used as an option.

01:14 Cephalosporins can also be used, for example, ceftriaxone. Now let's look at different forms of intervention to prevent the spread of this sexually transmitted disease, syphilis.

01:32 Firstly, we have to recommend and advise patients to limit the number of their sexual partners.

01:43 Secondly, the use of condoms.

01:45 It is encouraged to prevent the spread of the disease.

01:50 Thirdly, regular blood tests.

01:53 If sexual behavior is high risk so you can detect the infection earlier. And lastly it is paramount that we trace and treat sexual partners of those affected with syphilis.