Syphilis

Basics

Description

  • 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

Etiology


Treponema pallidum
Spirochete bacteria

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