Sexual Health

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually and vertically transmissible Treponema pallidum infection with primary, secondary, latent and late multisystem manifestations; stage accurately, recognise neurological/ocular/pregnancy complications, treat through a specialist sexual-health pathway and document serological response.

Definition

Syphilis is an infection caused by the spirochaete Treponema pallidum. Acquired infection progresses through primary, secondary, latent and late stages; infection can also be vertically transmitted and cause congenital syphilis.

First principles

Local inoculation is followed by early dissemination

T. pallidum enters through mucosa or breached skin and initially produces a chancre at the inoculation site. The lesion is classically single, painless and indurated with a clean base, but it may be multiple, painful or extragenital. It can heal spontaneously while infection persists, so a resolved ulcer does not exclude syphilis.

You’ve reached the end of the preview

The rest of this extended textbook page is part of full access. Create a free account to read the sample topics in full and try sample questions, then upgrade to unlock every high-yield and extended page, plus the complete question bank.

This page is exam revision material, not medical advice, and must not be used for patient care. Always check drug doses against the BNF and current guidance. Full disclaimer.