Syphilis

Etiology

• 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

Clinical Features

Chancres on the penile shaft due to a primary syphilitic infection

• single nonpainful lesion with punched out base and rolled edges
  • lesion is highly infectious

Differential Diagnosis

• Ulcerative STDs
• Proctitis

Management

• Benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units IM x 1 (for primary or secondary infection)

See Also

• Ulcerative STDs

Source

• Emedicine