Primary Syphilis Flashcards
What is the etiology of primary syphilis?
Primary syphilis is caused by Treponema Pallidum
What is Treponema Pallidum?
A gram-negative spirochete (bacteria)
How is Syphilis transmitted?
- Sexual contact (direct contact)
- Trans placentally
- Through blood products
How long after initial exposure will primary syphilis be present?
3 - 90 days after initial exposure
What is the hall-mark clinical feature of primary syphilis?
A chancre at the initial exposure site
What is a chancre?
A painless, solitary papule that often develops a central clear-based ulceration with a hard (indurated) consistency
Where is the oral lesions of primary syphilis most commonly situated?
On the lips
Are the lesions formed during primary syphilis infectious?
Yes, they are highly infectious
What happens if Primary syphilis is not treated?
It progresses to secondary syphilis
What happens to the chancre if treated with antibiotics?
It heals in 10-14 days
What happens to the chancre if it is not treated with antibiotics?
It heals within 3-8 weeks
How will we reach a definitive diagnosis of syphilis?
We need to perform an incisional biopsy and send it for histochemistry. It will indicate the presence of spirochetes in the tissues after a Warthin Starry Stain
We also need to send a blood sample for serology testing
Which serology test categories do we get for syphilis and what are they used for?
- Non-specific Not Highly sensitive screening tests
Used for detection after 3 weeks, Used for detection of secondary infections
- Specific and Highly sensitive tests
Used for early detection but remains positive for life (cannot be used for secondary testing)
Name two examples of Non-Specific, Not highly sensitive screening tests for Syphilis.
VDRL - Venereal Disease Research Laboratory
RPR - Rapid Plasma Reagin
Name two examples of Highly Specific and Sensitive tests for Syphilis.
TPHA - Treponema Pallidum HemAgglutination Assay
TPPA - Treponema Pallidum Particle Agglutination Assay
