Syphylis Dan Flashcards

1
Q

What is the organism responsible for syphylis?

A

Treponema (genus) pallidum (species) pallidum (subspecies)

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2
Q

T/F

T. pallidum is a protoza

A

False

A spirochete

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3
Q

T/F

T. pallidum is microaerophilic

A

True

needs a small amount of O2, not too much

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4
Q

T/F

T. pallidum can be cultured in vitro

A

False
Cannot be cultured in vitro
Cannot survive outside an animal host

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5
Q

T/F

T. pallidum is slow growing

A

True

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6
Q

What is the organism responsible for endemic syphylis?

A

treponema pallidum endemicum

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7
Q

T/F

Syphylis is the main cause of genital ulcers in low income countries

A

True

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8
Q

In Australia what populations are most at risk of syphylis?

A

most new cases are in MSM

with possible exception of in NT where still high rates of indigenous syphylis

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9
Q

What is syphylis d’emblee

A

syphylis acquired by deep innoculation e.g. via needlestick - rare
Is usuallly through contact with through mucous membranes or abraded skin

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10
Q

T/F

All stages of Syphylis are equally infective

A

False

primary and secondary more than tertiery

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11
Q

T/F

After innoculation treponemes disseminate to local lymph nodes and internal organs within hours

A

True

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12
Q

T/F

Replication time for T pallidum is about 3 days

A

False

30 hours

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13
Q

What proportion of infected pts develop secondary syphylis?

A

almost 100%

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14
Q

What proportion of those with secondary syphylis clear spontaneously?

A

1/3 clear

2/3 progress to latent disease

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15
Q

T/F

25% of pts in latent phase syphylis have relapses of symptoms of secondary syphylis

A

True

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16
Q

What is the fate of pts with untreated latent syphylis?

A

1/3 Asymptomatic with negative RPR but positive specific serology (may be self cured or in RPR-ve latent phase)
1/3 Asymptomatic with positive RPR and positive specific serology (ongoing latent disease)
1/3 develop tertiary syphilis – mucocutaneous>CVS>neurosyphylis

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17
Q

T/F

tertiery syphylis has a mortality of 10%

A

False

up to 50% if untreated

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18
Q

How long is the latent period after contracting syphylis until symptoms of primary syphylis appear?

A

9-90 days

average 3 weeks

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19
Q

What are the features of primary syphylis?

A

Chancre is characteristic lesion
Painless, firm, indurated, circumscribed round/oval ulcer
sometimes >1
with non-tender rubbery regional lymphadenopathy
Typically ulcer at 3 wks, unilat LNs at 4 wks, bilat LNs at 5 wks
resolves in 1-3 months, sometimes scars

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20
Q

How is primary syphylis diagnosed?

A

Chancre is full of treponemes esp at edge - swab and dark ground microscopy is traditional but rarely performed
Can swab for fluorescence microscopy or for PCR
Usually diagnosed by serology - RPR and specific tests
- if serology negative repeat in 2 weeks

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21
Q

T/F

80% of primary syphylis cases will be positive for RPR

A

True

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22
Q

T/F

40% of primary syphylis cases will be positive for specific serology tests

A

False

90% positive

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23
Q

T/F

Dark field miscroscopy can be reliably performed on chancre swabs from the mouth

A

False
There are resident spirochetes on mucosal surfaces
can only be performe don skin chancre swabs

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24
Q

T/F

Dark field miscroscopy is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic test in primary syphylis

A

True

but rarely performed

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25
T/F | More than one test is essential for reliable diagnosis of syphylis
True
26
T/F On dark field miscroscopy T pallidum spirals around on its long axis and moves forward and backward in a characteristic way. It also bends itself into acute or obtuse angles
True
27
T/F | fluroesence staining of smears from swabs is an alternative to dark field microscopy
True
28
T/F | syphylis can be confirmed with one positive serological test
False need either one +ve specific and one non-specific test Or 2 +ve specific tests Labs routinely do second test automatically if first is positive
29
What is the sequence of serological testing in Australia?
In Aus usually do a modern serology assay first; EIA (enzyme immunoassay) or CLIA (chemiluminesence immunoassay) and if +ve lab will proceed to a conventional serology test V. sensitive but high risk false positives (not that specific) If +ve do conventional test; TPPA (T. Pallidum Particle Agglutination test) or FTA-abs (Fluorescent Treponemal Ab–absorption test) RPR may be requested specifically
30
T/F | The first line diagnostic serology test for syphylis is the VDRL or RPR
False VDRL not done anymore RPR not used for diagnosis but can be requested in confirmed cases
31
What is the RPR test?
Rapid plasma reagin test for IgG and IgM antibodies to cardiolipin-lecithin-cholesterol antigen (syphilis infection triggers the formation of anticardiolipin and other related antibodies)
32
T/F - regarding RPR serology; | 4x decrease indicates successful treatment
True
33
T/F - regarding RPR serology; | A 6x increase indicates reinfection
False | 4x increase indicates re-infection
34
T/F - regarding RPR serology; | Test becomes negative if early effective treatment received
True
35
In what circumstances is RPR negative and specific serology positive?
1. False positive serology test or false negative RPR 2. Early effective treatment of syphylis 3. pt has cleared the disease spontaneously 4. pt has entered an RPR-negative latent phase - possibly self-cleared but still need to treat if untreated
36
T/F | HIV pts may get false negative RPR test
True
37
T/F | All specific T. pallidum serology tests measure Abs to T. pallidum surface proteins
False TPPA does (T Pallidum Particle Agglutination test) also; TPHA and MHA-TP In the FTA-abs test, Abs react with whole treponeme forming complexes
38
T/F | All specific T. pallidum serology tests remian positive lifeling after infection
True | unless very early treatment received
39
T/F | Specific T. pallidum serology tests cannot differentiate syphilis from non-venereal treponemal infection
True
40
What are the causes of false positive specific T. pallidum serology tests?
``` Autoimmune disease HIV Hypogammaglobulinaemia Older age CVS disease Lyme disease Pinta, Yaws, Other STDs (HSV) ```
41
What dilution constitutes a positive result for RPR?
In the context of a clinical suspicion of syphilis, RPR of 1:8 or above confirms the diagnosis
42
T/F | The papule is the classic lesion of secondary syphylis
True
43
What are the 3 common features of the eruptions of secondary syphylis?
They are NOT itchy They are coppery-red They are symmetrically distributed
44
T/F | secondary syphylis is a systemic illness
True
45
T/F | secondary syphylis occurs by dissemination of treponemes in the blood and lymphatics
True
46
T/F | secondary syphylis cannot occur while the primary chancre is still present
False time from the same time as the primary lesion up to 6 months later most commonly 3-10 wks after infection
47
T/F The early latent phase is the asymptomatic period which may occur between resoultion of primary syphylis and onset of clinical signs of secondary syphylis
True
48
T/F | secondary syphylis affects a minority of infected individuals
False | almost all get secodnary syphylis
49
T/F | Circulating immune complexes are responsible for some of the clinical features of secondary syphylis
True
50
The prodrome of secondary syphylis involves | Fever, malaise, sore throat and generalised lymphadenopathy
True may also be weight loss, headache (meningeal irritation), conjunctivitis, arthralgia (from periostitis), mylagia, hepatosplenomegally, mild hepatitis o Symptoms often worse at night
51
T/F | generalised papulosquamous rash is the most common clinical feature of secondary syphylis
True | 80%
52
What are the features of the rash of secondary syphylis?
rash often starts about 8 wks after infection usually generalised papulosquamous but initially macular and become papular by 3 months - lesions can be from 1-2mm up to 1-2 cm - often copper-coloured macular phase called macular syphylide papular phase called papular syphylide Can be polymorphic, corymbose arrangement of satellite papules around a larger central lesion Some get a morbiliform or roseola-like (pityriasiform) eruption which is not as widespread But always coppery-red, symmetrical and non-pruritic
53
Apart from the rash on the trunk and linbs what are the other skin findings of secondary syphylis?
papules/plaques on palms and soles with collarete of scale syphylitic paronychia Annular plaques on face or elsewhere w/ central hyperpigmentation Moth eaten, patchy, non-scarring alopecia (5%); can also get telogen effluvium Corona veneris – rash along hairline Fissured papules at oral commissures Hypopigmentred macules on neck – ‘necklace of venus’
54
What is lues maligna?
Rare variant of of secondary syphylis w/ disseminated necrotic ulcers resembling chancres, pt ofen systemically unwell
55
What are the mucosal findings in secondary syphylis?
small ulcers Chancre redux condylomata lata (flat toped warty papules) in anogenital area – often around 6/12 (10-20%) mucous patches in oropharyx – superficial grey erosions which can coalesce to look like snail tracks (in up to 30%) syphilitic sore throat – whole throat inflamed, erosions, hoarseness
56
T/F | about 1/3 of pts with secondary syphylis get mucosal signs
True
57
What is ‘Chancre redux’?
recurrence of the primary chancre at its original site in secondary syphylis
58
What are the systemic findings in secondary syphylis?
LNs - 50-90% get generalised lymphadenopathy Neurological–headache, hearing loss, cranial neuropathy/ focal neurology Eyes - photophobia, visual disturbance, uveitis Abnormal liver enzymes Rarely – hepatitis, gastritis, glomerulonephritis, myocarditis, joint effusions, periostitis
59
T/F | spirochetes may be seen in skin biopsies in secondary syphylis
True | treponemal immunostain
60
T/F | Pts with secondary syphylis must be assessed for occular and neurological signs
True | If present refer to ID for LP and send off CSF - nb in reality you get ID inout for every case
61
T/F | Should always do HIV test in pts with syphylis
True | o Also always check for HepC in MSM
62
T/F | HIV pts have increased risk of neurosyphylis in the secondary stage
True | esp if low CD4 count and high RPR titre
63
T/F | Spirochaetes are detected by gram stain on microscopy
False
64
T/F | The primary genital sores are first detected at 5 weeks after exposure
False | 3 weeks is typical
65
T/F | The rash of secondary syphilis is itchy
False
66
T/F | Skin lesions are frequently seen in latent syphilis
False
67
T/F | Skin lesions of tertiary syphilis usually manifest within 1-2 years after infection
False
68
T/F | Tubercular syphilide lesions usually present as grouped papules or nodules
True
69
T/F | In congenital syphylis Wimberger's sign manifests as facial palsy
False | bilateral destruction of the metaphyses of the proximal tibias seen on Xrays – pathognomonic for congenital syphilis
70
T/F | In congenital syphylis hepatosplenomegaly is associated with jaundice
True
71
T/F | In congenital syphylis T. pallidum is not present in the nasal discharge
False | Can isolate treponemes from discharge
72
What is latent syphylis?
Period between healing of lesions of secondary syphilis and manifestations of tertiary (late) syphilis • Early latent phase is up to 2 years after infection • Late latent phase is after 2 years
73
T/F | there are no clinical signs in latent syphylis
True | but serology positive
74
what is the outcome of pts who enter latent stage?
1/3 Asymptomatic with negative RPR but positive specific serology (essentially cured) 1/3 remain asymptomatic with positive RPR and positive specific serology 1/3 as above but will develop tertiary syphylis
75
How long does latent syphylis last?
months to years – typically 2-20 years
76
T/F | Positive serology in an asymptomatic pt is definitive for diagnosis of latent syphylis
False could be false positive tests Ideally should be history of primary and secondary syphilis features to confirm latent stage Negative RPR with +ve specific test indicates either sucessfully treated syphylis, self cleared syphylis or an RPR-ve latent phase If no clear Hx still treat as latent syphylis but may not be • Successful treatment of latent disease indicated by decline in RPR
77
T/F | Pts in the latent phase are never infective
False Can be infective at varying times in latent phase depending on if there are treponemes in blood stream but usually low risk of transmission
78
T/F | A pregnant mother in latent phase can still infect foetus
True
79
T/F Early latent syphylis can include both the period between primary and secondary syphylis and the latent phase following secondary syphylis
True
80
What is the WHO classification of early and late syphylis?
Early syphylis Any manifestation or latent phase in the first 2 years after infection Late syphylis Any manifestation or latent phase after the first 2 years after infection
81
T/F | Some authorities refer to tertiery syphylis as early syphylis
False some call tertiery syphylis late syphylis In this terminology both primary and secondary stages are called early syphylis
82
T/F | In latent syphylis the patient carries a large number of organisms
False | small number of organisms but a high immune response to these
83
T/F | In latent syphylis symptoms are due to the delayed hypersesnitivity to treponemes in different organ systems
True
84
T/F | Gummata are the most common feature of tertiary syphilis
True
85
which organ systems are affected in tertiery syphylis?
``` mainly affects skin bones CNS (25%) heart & great vessels (25%) ```
86
T/F | the RPR typically rises as symptoms of tertiery syphylis develop following a period of latency
True
87
T/F | An LP is mandatory in cases of confirmed or suspected tertiery syphylis
True
88
T/F in tertiery syphylis; | Gummata are indurrated plaques which develop central necrosis forminga punched out shallow ulcer
True
89
in tertiery syphylis; | where are gummata found?
Any part of skin esp limbs also; oral cavity, tongue, upper resp tract, liver, GIT and CNS and bones
90
T/F in tertiery syphylis; | Primary gummata of the bones are less common than of the skin
False same frequency as those of skin Cause osteitis and periostitis Present w/ pain, swelling and reduced ROM
91
What is the natural history of a gumma?
If untreated persist for weeks or months then involute with tissue-paper scaring If treated they heal completely
92
what are the main other skin lesions apart from gummata in tertiery syphylis?
Nodular or tubercular syphilide: Lesions are protruding, firm, coppery red nodules Appear in groups and forming circinate or serpiginous pattern Located on extensors of limbs, back and the face Some lesions may have surface scaling resulting in psoriasiform appearance Histo same as secondary syphylis
93
What are the 3 classifications of neurosyphylis based on disease timing?
Asymptomatic - 10% of pts in late latent phase Clinical early neurosyphylis - within a few years of infection. 10% during secondary syphylis Late neurosyphylis - rare
94
T/F | neurosyphylis can occur at any stage of the disease?
True | but most often in tertiery syphylis
95
T/F | asymptomatic form accounts for over half of all cases of neurosyphylis
False 1/3 of cases 70% remit spontaneously
96
T/F | Dementia caused by tertiary neurosyphylis does not improve after treatment for syphilis
True
97
What are the features of Clinical early neurosyphylis?
``` Acute syphilitic meningitis (meningeal neurosyphylis) meningovascular syphilis (stroke) CNVIII palsy (vestibulocochlear n) ocular syphilis (esp uveitis) ``` Headache, neck stiffness, aphasia, delerium, papilloedema hearing loss, cranial neuropathy photophobia, visual disturbance hemiparesis, seizures
98
T/F | Tabes dorsalis is the most common form of neurosyphylis
True
99
What are the features of Clinical late neurosyphylis?
Tabes dorsalis Parenchymatous syphilis Gummatous neurosyphylis Ataxia, dysuria, areflexia, Argyll-Robertson pupil, Charcot joints, neuropathic ulcers dementia, psychosis general paresis, ocular palsies and uveitis
100
Whata re the signs and symptoms of tabes dorsalis?
``` DORSALIS Dysuria Orthopaedic pain (charcot's joints) Reflexes (deep tendon) are reduced Shooting pain (‘lightening’ pains) Argyll-Robertson pupil + Ataxia Leg ulcers (neuropathic) Impaired proprioception + vibration sense Spinal disease - dorsal column degeneration ```
101
What is an Argyll-robertson pupil?
Small and non reactive pupil – constricts to accomodation but not to light – caused by any lesion of Edinger-Westphal nucleus
102
What are the CSF findings in neurosyphylis?
increased pressure high protein high Ig level mononuclear increased WCC specific anti-treponemal antibodies (their presence is necessary for but not proof of neurosyphylis - Sin qua non but not pathognomonic) NB Negative CSF FTA-Abs test excludes neurosyphylis (high sensitivity for anti-teponemal Abs - gold standard)
103
T/F | Cardiovascular syphylis affects up to 10% of untreated pts usually >10 years after infection
True
104
T/F | Cardiovascular syphylis always has late onset after 10 years
True
105
T/F | Cardiovascular syphylis classicially causes Aortitis of the abdominal aorta
False Aortitis of the ascending aorta is classical ``` also; aortic calcification aortic valve incompetence anaeurysm LVF ```
106
T/F | Pts with cardiovascular syphylis rarely have neurosyphylis
False | often have neurosyphylis
107
T/F | HIV pts are at hgher risk of getting neurosyphylis
controversial | Books say true but speaker at 2015 ASM says false
108
T/F | RNA amplification is better for detecting syphylis than PCR
True
109
T/F | swabs from a primary chancre are usually sent for PCR these days
True
110
What are common features of biopsies of skin in syphylis?
often plasma cells and lymphocytes + histiocytes often endarteritis Do syphilis immunostain to see treponemes
111
T/F | older secondary syphylis skin elsions may be granulomatous
True
112
T/F | spirochetes may be visualised in the majority of skin biopsies of secondary syphylis
False | only 1/3
113
T/F | Warthin-starry stain is routinely performed to look for treponemes
False | No longer used
114
T/F | tertiery syphylis lesions ahve tuberculoid granulomas with or without caseation
True
115
T/F | asymptomatic patients with +ve serology but negative RPR do not need to be treated for syphylis
False If history of treated syphylis no need to treat If no Hx rpt test and treat if still the same
116
Approach to management of syphylis (not drug teratment)
Establish diagnosis and stage of disease RPR level for Rx monitoring Provide clear pt information and education test for HIV, HepC and B Consider transmission to/from index case - ?vertical transmission (congenital syph, pregnant pt), contact tracing Lab notifies DoH as notifiable disease Advise; No sex at all for 7 days after treatment; cannot have sex with partners of the last 3 months (if primary Dx) or 6 months (if secondary Dx) until they have been tested also Monitor high risk pts (promiscuous MSM) for re-infection - ID or sexual health clinic does this ID team usually treat syphylis - must check RPR post Rx to ensure 4x drop in titre
117
What is drug Rx of syphylis?
1.8g Benzathine penicillin (long acting penicillin G) IM – no resistance Early syphilis needs single dose Late syphilis needs weekly dose for 3 weeks Dont use ordinary benzyl penicillin as too short acting Dont use macrolides as resistance high in Aus Tetracyclines also effective – Doxy or tetra –cycline Can use ceftriaxone for penicillin allergic pregnant women but some advocate penicillin desensitization then treat with penicillin – need ID and Obs input
118
How is treatment of syphylis different in HIV+ve pts?
No different
119
What is Jarisch-Herxeimer reaction?
Classicially get Jarisch-Herxeimer reaction when treating early (primary and secondary) syphilis (common) - Sepsis like picture after starting antibiotics due to release of endotoxin-like products from dead micro-organisms causing a massive inflammatory response – acute fever, headache, myalgia
120
T/F Regarding congenital syphylis; | The longer mum has had syphilis, the less likely she is to transmit it
True
121
T/F Regarding congenital syphylis; | Public health measures should prevent any cases of congenital syphilis occurring in Aus
True | syphylis serology usually performed at booking along with HIV, HepB and C and rubella Abs
122
T/F | congenital syphylis does not occur if mother contracts syphylis in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy
True | But baby at risk of neonatal syphylis by acquisition of primary syphylis during delivery
123
T/F Regarding congenital syphylis; | transmission risk is reduced to 50% if infection was >2 years pre-pregnancy
True
124
What are the consequences of transplacental transmission of syphylis?
40% have healthy baby – syphilis not established in child 20% have child born with congenital syphilis - often prem and/or low birth weight 20% early neonatal death 10% spontaneous abortion in 2nd or 3rd trimester 10% stillbirth
125
T/F Regarding congenital syphylis; | The risk of transmission is low for infection acquired after the 5th month of gestation
False | low if acquired from 7th months onwards
126
What are early and late congenital syphylis?
Early congenital syphylis; clinical features presenting from birth to age 2 years Late congenital syphylis; clinical features presenting after age 2 years - often presents at ages 5-16
127
T/F Regarding congenital syphylis; | Pts usuallly present at birth
False often normal at birth - present in first few months rarely dont present until late congenital stage
128
T/F | ‘snuffles’ are the most frequent and important sign in early congenital syphylis
True copious purulent or serosanguinous discharge from nose can cause nasal bone and cartilage destruction Can isolate treponemes from discharge
129
T/F Regarding congenital syphylis; | skin is affected in 80%
False | 40-50%
130
what are the skin features of early congenital syphylis?
Can be coppery red skin lesions similar to acquired secondary syphilis Or vesiculobullous eruption Or – ‘pemphigus syphyliticus’ large bullae on inflamed skin on palms and soles Fissures - perioral, perianal and around nose – heal with scars (rhagades) Often get paronychia
131
what are the non-skin features of early congenital syphylis?
snuffles cachexia LNs HSM often with jaundice bone lesions esp distal tib and fib; Wimberger’s sign (bilateral destruction of the metaphyses of the proximal tibias seen on Xrays – pathognomonic for congenital syphilis) Pseudoparalysis of Parrot is when the infant doesn’t move the limb as too painful due to bone lesion Pneumonia alba (syphylitic pneumonitis) Nephritic syndrome/ nephropathy Congenital neurosyphylis – meningitis, meningoencephalitis, neck stiffness, bulging fontanelle, hydrocephalus. Can result in severe intellectual impairment Anaemia, low platelets
132
T/F Regarding congenital syphylis; | Late congenital syphylis is easily distinguished from late acquired syphilis
False | hard to tell as if syphylis acquired neonataly/intrapartum can look the same
133
What are ‘stigmata of congenital syphylis’
scars and deformities caused by characteristic early and late disease
134
List the stigmata of congenital syphylis
``` Rhagades Hutchinson’s teeth Mulberry molars Dental caries to defective enamel Saddle nose deformity after snuffles Frontal bossing Hypoplastic maxilla – makes jaw look prominent – ‘dish face’ High arch palate – may be perforated Thickened medial clavicle Scaphoid scapulae Saber shins – anterior tibial bowing Hutchinson’s triad is combination of; - Interstitial keratitis (scarred corneas) - 8th nerve defaness - Hutchinson’s teeth ```
135
What is the most serious lesion of late congenital syphylis?
Interstitial keratitis most common and most serious late lesion There is clouding of the cornea and blindness can develop Pts need treatment under ophthal with steroid drops and/or injections Doesnt respond to antisyphylis antibiotics
136
T/F Regarding late congenital syphylis; | Interstitial keratitis responds to antisyphilis antibiotics
false | need steroid drops
137
What are the features of late congenital syphylis?
Interstitial keratitis Bones – periostitis of long bones esp tibia, gumma and perforation of hard palate Joints – Clutton’s joints – painless synovitis of knees. Resolves in months. Not improved by antisyphylis antibiotics Cardiovascular syphilis – v.v. rare Neurosyphylis – can be juvenile general paralysis or rarely tabes dorsalis Mucocutaneous gummata Stigmata
138
What is Hutchinson’s triad?
HI8 - Interstitial keratitis - 8th nerve defaness - Hutchinson’s teeth
139
What are Hutchinson’s teeth?
Permanent teeth are peg-shaped with notches in the free edge
140
What are Mulberry molars?
Rounded (flattened) cusps on the permanent 1st molars
141
What are Rhagades?
radial scars from old fissures around mouth, nose, eyes and anus
142
How is the diagnosis of congenital syphylis made?
antibodies identified on serology which cannot be from mother (Not IgG) PCR test on blood for spirochaetaemia RPR not diagnostic but can be supportive In late congenital cases diagnosis based on clinical features, positive serology and ideally on assessment of mother and siblings
143
T/F Regarding congenital syphylis; | If child’s RPR is 4x greater than mothers very suggestive of infection
True
144
T/F | An asymptomatic neonate born to a mother with treated syphilis should always be treated
False should be treated only if mothers disease was diagnosed during pregnancy No need if mother had confirmed successful treatment before conception
145
T/F | spirochetes are gram positive helically coiled bacteria with a double membrane
False gram negative all else true
146
What organism families are types of spirochetes?
Treponemes Borrelia Leptospira when your weight spirals out of control you go on The Biggest Loser
147
T/F Yaws, Pinta and endemic syphylis are caused by treponemes which are identical morphologically and antigenically to treponema pallidum pallidum (venereal syphylis)
True | microscopy and serology cannot distinguish
148
T/F | Benzathine penicillin is the treatment for all treponemal disease
True
149
T/F | Yaws is caused by Treponema Carateum
False Yaws caused by T pallidum pertenue Pinta is caused by T carateum
150
T/F | Both Yaws and Pinta mainly affect children
False Yaws and endemic syphylis mainly in kids Pinta affects all ages equally
151
T/F Yaws consists of a mother yaw at the site of innoculation - an ulcerated papule with orange-yellow crust followed by daughter yaws at periorificial sites (secondary yaws)
True | both types of lesions contain many treponemes
152
T/F Pinta only occurs in warm dry parts of central and south america Yaws occurs in tropical pacific islands endemic syphylis occurs in N Africa, asia and middle east
True
153
T/F Endemic syphylis consists of primary, secondary and tertiery disease with clinical features similar to those of venereal syphylis
True
154
T/F Pinta causes macules or papules on the shins with red halos followed by psoriasiform plaques which turn grey-black in colour
True