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