Syphilis Flashcards
what causes syphilis?
treponema pallidum (spirochaete)
how is syphilis transmitted?
sex
birth
staging of syphilis
primary
secondary
latent
tertiary
describe presentation of primary syphilis
incubation period is 9-90 days (mean is 21 days)
primary chancre that is painless at site of inoculation
non-tender local lymphadenopathy
what is secondary syphilis known as?
the great pretender
what is the secondary stage of syphilis
large number of bacteria in the blood
presentation of secondary syphilis
macula-papular rash on palms and soles lesions of mucous membranes condylomata lata generalised lymphadenopathy fever sore throat malaise anterior uveitis cranial nerve lesions
what is the tertiary state?
cardiovascular and neurological complications occuring years later
diagnosis of primary
history
dark ground microscopy
PCR
IgM
diagnosis of secondary
history serology (always do clotted blood even though it takes 6 weeks)
diagnosis of tertiary
serolgy
what do you do if IgM and IgG are positive?
IgM ELISA
VDRL/RPR
TPPA
management
long-acting IM penicillin
what to do if allergic to penicillin
desensitisation may be required
what has to be done after treatment?
serofast
check response to treatment
