Syphillis Flashcards
What organism causes syphillis?
Treponema pallidum
How is syphilis transmitted?
Sexual contact
Vertical transmission
Infected blood
What are risk factors for syphilis?
Risky sexual behaviour
MSM
HIV infection
What are the types of syphilis?
Primary Secondary Latent Tertiary Neurosyphilis
What is primary syphilis?
9-90 days after infection
Painless chanchre on genitals
What is secondary syphilis?
<3 months after infection
Rash on feet/hands Fever Malaise Arthralgia Condylomata lata
What are condylomata lata?
Grey warts on genitals
What is latent syphilis?
Asymptomatic
What is tertiary syphilis?
Gummatous lesions
Aortic regurgitation
Aortic aneurysms
What is neurosyphilis?
Infection of nervous system
Headache
Dementia
Tabes dorsalis
Argyll-Robertson Pupil
What is tabes dorsalis?
Demyelination of posterior columns
- ataxia
- numb legs
- loss of pain/temp sensation
What is an Argyll-Robertson pupil?
Constricted
Does not react to light
Accommodates
How is suspected syphilis investigated?
Dark ground microscopy
PCR swab
How is syphilis managed?
Benzathine benzylpenicillin
Full STI screen
Contact tracing
