Sypilis Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is the causative organism of syphilis
Tryptonaemia pallidum Graham negative spirochetes
How is syphilis contacted
- Sexual contact
- blood transfusion
- needles
- contact with other fluids of the body
- Through the birth canal
- placenta
What are the symptoms of primary syphilis
- Painless genital ulcers (hard chancre)
- Painless lymphadenopathy
If syphilis is contracted through blood transfusion, will chancre be present 
No
What is a chancre
Ulcer with raised borders hard base and fluid rich in spirochetes
Why are shin Chancre and lymph nodes painless
Due to nerve damage
What is the treatment for primary syphilis
- Benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units IM in gluteal region given once.
- Doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 2 weeks if penicillin allergic patient.
What are the characteristics of secondary syphilis
- Spirachetemia 
- Lymphadenopathy
- Condylomata lata
- Snail track ulcer in the mouth
- Maculopapular rash mainly on soles and palms
- acute neurological signs
- hepatitis - jaundice
- nephrotic syndrome
- cranial nerve palsy

What is the treatment for secondary syphilis
Same as given in primary syphilis if thre is no CNS
involvement.
What is condylomata lata
Condylomata lata: Watery, plaque-like lesions found in the perianal area and other moist body sites.
What are the characteristic findings tertiary syphilis
- Localized gummatous lesions (gummas)
- Diffuse inflammation in in arteries and CNS. Aortic aneurisms, neurosyphilis, subacute meningitis, tabes dorsalis, general paralysis. Argyll Robertson pupil
What are The signs of early disease in congenital syphilis
- Stillborn
- dying in the womb
- Maculopapular rash
- hepatosplenomegaly
- snuffles with spirochetes
- optic neuritis
What are the characteristics symptoms of late disease of congenital syphilis
- Saddle nose
- Hutchinson’s in sizers and Mulberry molars
- hearing loss
- saber shins
What type of hypersensitivity reaction takes place in tertiary syphilis
Hypersensitivity type 4
What are the three main antigens On T pallidum
- Group specific antigens (all treponemas)
- Species specific antigen (specific to T pallidum)
- Cardiolipin (spirochetes plus cells in our body)
Which type of antigen is present both in spirochetes and the cells in our body
Cardiolipin
What are the investigations of syphilis
- Dark field microscopy
- VDRL test
- RPR test
- FTA-ABS test
- TP-EIA test
Which tests are nonspecific for syphilis and detect anti-cardiolipin
- VDRL test (venereal disease research laboratory)
- RPR test (rapid plasma regain)
What are specific test for syphilis used to detect antibodies targeting T pallidum
- FTA-ABS test (Fluorescent triptonemal antibody absorb test)
- TP-EIA Test (treptonemal antigen base enzyme immunoassay test)
If a pregnant patient is allergic to penicillin what you choose to fight off syphilis
- Penicillin desensitization
- erythromycin for pregnant women and penicillin for the newborn (Erythromycin crosses placenta poorly)
What is Jarisch- Herxheimer reaction 
A reaction caused when using penicillin against spirochetes. Spirochetes die and release lots of antigens which causes over reaction of the immune system such as fever, sweating, muscle, joint pain
