About this episode
Author: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Re-emerging STI. Progresses through distinct phases if untreated: Primary syphilis: frequently overlooked because initial chancre is painless. Secondary syphilis: viral syndrome, rash on trunk, palms, and soles. Latent syphilis: asymptomatic period, lasting 5-20 years. Tertiary syphilis: includes neurosyphilis (dementia, encephalitis, etc.) and cardiovascular syphilis (aortitis, etc). Treatment penicillin G 2.4 million units once for primary or secondary treatment; once weekly for 3 weeks for latent/tertiary. References Mattei, P., Beachkofsky, T., Gilson, R., Wisco, O. Syphilis: A reemerging infection. 2012. American Family Physician., 86 (5), 433-440.