Syphilis: Difference between revisions
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== | ==Background== | ||
*Syphilis is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. | *Syphilis is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. | ||
*Usually sexually transmitted | *Usually sexually transmitted | ||
*Causes a wide range of systemic manifestations that are characterized by episodes of active disease interrupted by periods of latency | *Causes a wide range of systemic manifestations that are characterized by episodes of active disease interrupted by periods of latency | ||
*Approximately 30% of asymptomatic contacts examined within 30 days of exposure have infection | *Approximately 30% of asymptomatic contacts examined within 30 days of exposure have infection | ||
Revision as of 15:03, 22 December 2014
Background
- Syphilis is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum.
- Usually sexually transmitted
- Causes a wide range of systemic manifestations that are characterized by episodes of active disease interrupted by periods of latency
- Approximately 30% of asymptomatic contacts examined within 30 days of exposure have infection
Pathogenesis
- Spirochetes penetrate intact mucous membranes or microscopic dermal abrasions.
- Transmission through sexual contact with infectious lesions, infection in utero, blood transfusion, and organ transplantation
- Blood from a patient with incubating or early syphilis is infectious.
- Characterized by multiple stages separated by periods of latency: primary, secondary, latent and tertiary
Clinical Features
- single nonpainful lesion with punched out base and rolled edges
- lesion is highly infectious
Differential Diagnosis
Workup
Management
- Benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units IM x 1 (for primary or secondary infection)
Disposition
See Also
Source
- Emedicine