Syphilis – A Case Report and Review of Current Literature
Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10205010Keywords:
penicillin, VDRL, RPR, sexual partner, syphilisAbstract
Syphilis is a significant disease common among sexually transmitted diseases, affecting public health. Serological tests detect latent infections (i.e., those without clinical symptoms). Latent syphilis acquired within the previous year is referred to as early latent syphilis; all other cases of latent syphilis are classified as late latent syphilis or latent syphilis of unknown duration.
For screening purposes, flocculation-based Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) and agglutination-based Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) are most commonly used. False positivity rates are higher compared to specific tests. Treponemal tests show antibodies specific to treponemas and appear from the second week of infection. The most commonly used ones are TPHA (Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination Assay) and FTA-ABS (Fluorescent Treponema Antibody-Absorption Test). TPHA remains positive for life in treated patients
Penicillin remains the preferred pharmacological treatment, although specific clinical situations allow alternative treatments. Sexual partner management involves evaluating and treating people exposed to a person diagnosed with the infective stage of syphilis. Close clinical monitoring and repeat testing are recommended to ensure an appropriate response to treatment.
In this case report, we aimed to compile the current literature on syphilis by examining the diagnosis and treatment process of a 24-year-old female patient who applied to our clinic.
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