Overview
Syphilis is a vertically or sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum.
In the primary stage of acquired syphilis, there is an appearance of a painless ulcer (chancre). Then in the secondary stage, there are skin rashes and sores on mucous membranes.
In the latent stage, it is asymptomatic and not communicable. It is in the tertiary or late stage that it is symptomatic but not communicable; it usually appears 10-20 years after first infection.
A treponemocidal level of antimicrobials needs to be achieved in the serum to provide effective treatment for primary syphilis. Recommendations for treatment of late syphilis is to be followed if the stage of syphilis is unknown. The duration of treponemocidal level of antibiotic should be at least 7-10 days.
Penicillin is the preferred drug for the treatment of all stages of syphilis.
For further information regarding the management of Primary Syphilis, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
In the primary stage of acquired syphilis, there is an appearance of a painless ulcer (chancre). Then in the secondary stage, there are skin rashes and sores on mucous membranes.
In the latent stage, it is asymptomatic and not communicable. It is in the tertiary or late stage that it is symptomatic but not communicable; it usually appears 10-20 years after first infection.
A treponemocidal level of antimicrobials needs to be achieved in the serum to provide effective treatment for primary syphilis. Recommendations for treatment of late syphilis is to be followed if the stage of syphilis is unknown. The duration of treponemocidal level of antibiotic should be at least 7-10 days.
Penicillin is the preferred drug for the treatment of all stages of syphilis.
For further information regarding the management of Primary Syphilis, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
