Syphilis

Question 1

Syphilis is caused by

Answer 1

Treponema Pallidum

A spirochaete

Question 2

The incubation period for syphilis is

Answer 2

9-90 days

Question 3

Typically most genital primary syphilitic sores appear X weeks after exposure

Answer 3

3 weeks

Question 4

Positive syphilis serology is detected at x weeks

Answer 4

5-6 weeks

The macular rash is seen at 8 weeks, popular lesions at 3 months and condylomata at 6 months

Question 5

The rash of secondary syphilis has 3 common features

Answer 5

1. Not itchy
2. Coppery red
3. Symmetrically distributed

They are initially macular and becomes popular by 3 months

Constitutional symptoms include fever, headache, bone and joint pain

Question 6

In tertiary syphilis

The two types of skin lesions seen are

Answer 6

1. Superficial or nodular syphilide - protruding red nodules, appear in groups
2. Deeper gunnatous syphilide - punched out appearance, usually single

Question 7

Early congenital syphilis presents as

Answer 7

Rhinitis with serosanguinous nasal discharge, vesciculobullous eruptions of the skin and oral mucosa patches

Bony involvement are characterized by diaphyseal periostitis, osteochrondititis

Other features - hepatosplenomegakg, jaundice nephrotic syndrome