« Back to Infections and Infestations

Syphilis

»	What causes syphilis?
»	Describe the morphologic appearance of T. pallidum.
»	Where did syphilis originate?
»	How is syphilis transmitted?
»	What are the chances of getting syphilis from having sexual intercourse with an infected individual?
»	Following inoculation, how long does it take for the primary chancre to appear?
»	Describe the typical Hunterian chancre.
»	Do syphilitic chancres occur on sites other than the genitalia?
»	What is the best way to diagnose primary syphilis?
»	How is primary syphilis treated?
»	What is the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction?
»	What is the natural history of the untreated syphilitic chancre?
»	When does secondary syphilis begin?
»	Do patients with secondary syphilis have any symptoms?
»	List the common physical findings in secondary syphilis.
»	Describe the syphiloderm of secondary syphilis.
»	What are condylomata lata? How do they differ from condylomata acuminata?
»	What are mucous patches?
»	Is there anything characteristic about the alopecia of secondary syphilis?
»	How good are physicians at recognizing the signs and symptoms of secondary syphilis?
»	What is the best way to diagnose secondary syphilis?
»	How should secondary syphilis be treated?
»	What stage follows untreated secondary syphilis?
»	How is latent syphilis treated?
»	When should lumbar punctures be done in patients with syphilis?
»	What happens to patients with untreated latent syphilis?
»	Name the three major presentations of tertiary syphilis.
»	What are the mucocutaneous features of late benign syphilis?
»	What was the Tuskegee Study?

What are the chances of getting syphilis from having sexual intercourse with an infected individual?

The definitive study has obviously never been done, but epidemiologic studies show that the chances are about one in three. It is believed that the treponemes cannot penetrate intact epidermis or mucosa and that most infections are acquired through microscopic or macroscopic breaks in the skin.