RESEARCH ARTICLE
Syphilis: A Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment
Carol R. Emerson*
Genitourinary and HIV Medicine, Royal Group Hospitals, Belfast, UK.
Article Information
Identifiers and Pagination:
Year: 2009Volume: 3
First Page: 143
Last Page: 147
Publisher Id: TOIDJ-3-143
DOI: 10.2174/1874279301004010143
Article History:
Received Date: 3/6/2009Revision Received Date: 3/8/2009
Acceptance Date: 4/8/2009
Electronic publication date: 24/12/2009
Collection year: 2009
© 2009 Emerson et al.
open-access license: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0), a copy of which is available at: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
open-access license: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0), a copy of which is available at: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Abstract
Syphilis has re-emerged as an important cause of morbidity, mortality and a possible transmission factor in the spread of HIV infection. The control of syphilis requires early identification and treatment of cases. Here the diagnostic tests are reviewed and discussed, including when to think of lumbar puncture for the examination of neurosyphilis. The British, European and American guidelines for treatment at each stage are compared; with efficacy and side effect profile of regimens considered and advice on management of complications. Stemming the spread of infection requires increased education, early diagnosis and prompt notification of partners.
