Skip to main content

Syphilis

Melissa E Badowski, MPH, PharmD and Mahesh C. Patel, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A chronic, systemic infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum

  • Transmitted sexually by direct contact with an active lesion. Also transmitted vertically (maternal–...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • As a “great imitator,” a high index of suspicion is often required for accurate diagnosis.

  • Previous sexual contact with partner with known infection or high-risk sexual behavior

  • Genital...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Advise patients to notify partner(s) and to avoid intercourse until treatment is complete (1)[A].

  • Test for HIV infection​​​​​​.

  • Management of sexual contacts (3)[A]

    • Presumptiv...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Clinical and serologic evaluation 6 to 12 months after treatment; if >1 year duration, check at 24 months (3)[A].

  • In PLWH, clinical and serologic evaluation at...

REFERENCES

1
Ghanem KG, Ram S, Rice PA. The Modern Epidemic of Syphilis. N Engl J Med. 2020;382:845-854.
2
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2021. Atla...

SEE ALSO

Chlamydia Infection (Sexually Transmitted); Gonococcal Infections 

CODES

ICD10

  • A52.71 Late syphilitic oculopathy

  • A51.0 Primary genital syphilis

  • A52.74 Syphilis of liver and other viscera

  • A50.7 Late congenital syphilis, unspecified

  • A51.39 Other secondary syphilis of skin

  • A5...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Screen all people living with HIV and all individuals with high-risk sexual behaviors for syphilis.

  • Penicillin is the treatment of choice for syphilis.

  • Syphilis rates are rising—prevalen...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

 
×