Syphilis differential diagnosis: Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==
Syphilis is a curable [[sexually transmitted disease]] caused by the ''[[Treponema pallidum]]'' [[spirochete]]. The route of transmission of syphilis is almost always by [[sexual]] contact, although there are examples of [[congenital syphilis]] via transmission from mother to child [[in utero]]. The signs and [[symptoms]] of syphilis are numerous; before the advent of [[serological testing]], precise [[diagnosis]] was very difficult. In fact, the disease was dubbed the "Great Imitator" because it was often confused with other diseases, particularly in its tertiary stage. Syphilis (unless [[antibiotic resistance|antibiotic-resistant]]) can be easily treated with [[antibiotics]] including [[penicillin]]. The oldest and still most effective method is an [[intramuscular injection]] of [[Penicillin#Benzathine benzylpenicillin|benzathine penicillin]]. If not treated, syphilis can cause serious effects such as damage to the [[heart]], [[aorta]], [[brain]], [[eyes]], and [[bones]]. In some cases these effects can be fatal. In 1998, the complete [[genetic sequence]] of ''T. pallidum'' was published which may aid understanding of the [[pathogenesis]] of syphilis.
Syphilis is a curable [[sexually transmitted disease]] caused by the ''[[Treponema pallidum]]'' [[spirochete]]. The route of transmission of syphilis is almost always by [[sexual]] contact, although there are examples of [[congenital syphilis]] via transmission from mother to child [[in utero]].  
 
In fact, the disease was dubbed the "Great Imitator" because it was often confused with other diseases, particularly in its tertiary stage. Hence, patients with tertiary syphilis should also be tested for other [[STD|sexually transmitted diseases]] such as [[chlamydia]], [[gonorrhea]], [[trichomoniasis]], [[bacterial vaginosis]] and [[HIV|HIV infection]].  


==Diseases caused by other species of Treponema==
==Diseases caused by other species of Treponema==
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*[[Pinta (disease)|Pinta]] - caused by ''Treponema carateum''
*[[Pinta (disease)|Pinta]] - caused by ''Treponema carateum''
*[[Bejel]] - caused by ''Treponema endemicum''
*[[Bejel]] - caused by ''Treponema endemicum''
==Differential diagnosis==
*[[Candidiasis]]
*[[Chancroid]]
*[[Condyloma acuminata]]
*Drug eruptions
*[[Genital warts]]
*[[Granuloma inguinale]]
*[[Herpes simplex]]
*[[Herpes zoster]]
*[[HIV]]
*[[Lymphogranuloma venereum]]
*[[Urethritis]]
*[[Urinary tract infection]]
*[[Varicella zoster]]
*[[Yaws]]


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 19:12, 10 February 2012

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Syphilis is a curable sexually transmitted disease caused by the Treponema pallidum spirochete. The route of transmission of syphilis is almost always by sexual contact, although there are examples of congenital syphilis via transmission from mother to child in utero.

In fact, the disease was dubbed the "Great Imitator" because it was often confused with other diseases, particularly in its tertiary stage. Hence, patients with tertiary syphilis should also be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis and HIV infection.

Diseases caused by other species of Treponema

These diseases are caused by other species or subspecies of Treponema:

  • Yaws is a tropical disease characterized by an infection of the skin, bones and joints; it is caused by a spirochete bacterium, Treponema pallidum, sp. pertenue, also called Treponema pertenue
  • Pinta - caused by Treponema carateum
  • Bejel - caused by Treponema endemicum

Differential diagnosis

References


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