Syphilis

Basics

Sexually transmitted disease
In 2016 there were 88,042 new syphilis diagnoses in the U.S.
27,814 new cases of primary or secondary syphilis in the U.S. in 2016, 17.6% increase over 2015
MSM (men who have sex with men) account for over half of primary and secondary cases diagnosed
Acquired via mucous membranes/disrupted skin
Divided into 3 stages:
- Primary syphilis:
  - Painless chancre or ulcer
- Secondary syphilis:
  - Replication and hematogenous spread
  - Begins 3–6 wk after primary lesion
  - Rash, mucocutaneous lesions, lymphadenopathy
  - Late latent secondary phase
- Tertiary or late syphilis:
  - Very uncommon
  - Cardiovascular, gummatous, and neurologic symptoms

Treponema pallidum
Spirochete bacteria

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