Syphilis

Description

• Sexually transmitted disease
• In 2022, there were 203,500 new syphilis (all stages) diagnoses in the US, a 78.9% increase over 5 yr
• In the US, men account for 86% of all patients, with more than half reporting having sex with men (MSM) and 42% also having HIV
• Acquired via mucous membranes/disrupted skin from someone with an active primary or secondary lesion to an uninfected person or congenitally via vertical transmission
• Acquired syphilis is divided into 3 stages:
  • Primary syphilis:
    • Appears 3–90 d after exposure
    • Painless chancre or ulcer
  • Secondary syphilis:
    • Presents 3–12 wk after resolution of primary lesion
    • Rash, mucocutaneous lesions, lymphadenopathy
    • Late latent secondary phase
  • Tertiary or late syphilis:
    • Very uncommon
    • Cardiovascular, gummatous, and neurologic symptoms

Etiology