Dermatologic Emergencies

dermatology-emergencieskapak-1-0-25

Syphilis

Miray TÜMER
Private Physician, Ankara, Türkiye

Tümer M. Syphilis. In: Oğuztürk H, Görmeli Kurt N, eds. Dermatologic Emergencies. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.121-3.

ABSTRACT

Syphilis, also known as lues, is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, a spirochete bacterium. The disease progresses through four distinct clinical stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary syphilis. Additionally, it can be transmitted from an infected mother to the fetus during childbirth, resulting in congenital syphilis. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and laboratory methods, and the infection can be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, syphilis may lead to severe complications, permanent damage, and even death.

Keywords: Syphilis; Treponema pallidum; sexually transmitted infections; lues; penicillin G

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