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- Syphilis is caused by an old bacterium (spirochaete bacterium Treponema pallidum) but is making a comeback, with infection rates greater than HIV in the US.
- Various stages of disease affect many organ systems:
- Primary – painless chancre, local adenopathy
- Secondary – diffuse non-pruritic rash, flu symptoms, condyloma lata
- Tertiary – neuro, cardiac, gummas
- Testing: VDRL/RPR for screening & follow up, FTA-ABS/TP-PA for confirmation
- Penicillin is your friend! – Benzithine penicillin remains the treatment of choice for all stages of syphilis infection, though duration of treatment varies depending on stage.
- Knowledge of syphilis as a disease came at a price, teaching us a valuable lesson about the role that physicians play in their patients' lives and the incredible trust they place in the profession.
