Syphilis Flashcards
What bacteria is syphilis caused by?
Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum, a spiral shaped bacteria (spirochete)
How can syphilis be contracted?
Oral, vaginal or anal sex
Vertical transmission from mother to baby
IV drug use
Blood transfusion
What are the symptoms of primary syphilis?
Chancre on the genitals (lesion may not be seen in women)
Non-tender lymphadenopathy
What are the symptoms of secondary syphilis?
Systemic symptoms - fever, lymphadenopathy
Rash on trunk, palms and soles
Buccal ‘snail track’ ulcers
How long after the primary stage does secondary syphilis develop?
6-10 weeks
What is the latent stage of syphilis?
Occurs after the secondary stage - the patient becomes asymptomatic despite still being infected with syphilis
When is the early latent stage of syphilis?
Within 2 years of initial infection
How long do secondary syphilis symptoms last for?
3-12 weeks
When is the late latent stage of syphilis?
From two years after the initial infection onwards
What are the features of tertiary syphilis?
Gummas
Ascending aortic aneurysms
General paralysis of the insane
Tabes dorsalis
Argyll-Robertson pupil
What is tabes dorsalis?
Degeneration of the dorsal nerve roots of the spinal cord
What is Argyll-Robertson pupil?
Bilaterally small pupils that do not constrict in response to bright light but do constrict when focussed on a close object (accommodation)
What are the features of congenital syphilis?
Blunted upper incisor teeth
Rhagades (linear scars in the skin around the mouth and nose)
Keratitis
Deafness
Saber shins
Saddle nose
What is the first line investigation for syphilis?
Screening test - antibody test for antibodies to T. palladium
What further testing can be done in patients suspected of having syphilis?
Swabs from infected sites can be processed through:
- Dark field microscopy
- PCR
