Topic overview

Start with the big picture

The lesson follows syphilis from transmission and clinical stages through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Screening uses nontreponemal tests such as RPR or VDRL, with treponemal tests used for confirmation; suspected neurosyphilis calls for CSF testing. Benzathine penicillin G is the treatment cornerstone, while neurosyphilis and ocular disease require a different penicillin regimen. The source also addresses options for some non-pregnant patients with penicillin allergy and the need for desensitization in pregnancy or neurosyphilis. Follow-up includes serologic response and closer monitoring with HIV coinfection. Counseling covers the Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction, sexual abstinence until treatment is completed and partners are treated, and public health contact tracing.