Prevention of Syphilis

Biological Basis for Syphilis

“…Syphilis is acquired by direct contact, usually sexual, with active primary or secondary lesions. Studies have shown that 16 to 30% of individuals who have had sexual contact with a syphilis-infected person in the preceding 30 days become infected (205,274); actual transmission rates may be much higher (6,106,271). Infection also occurs when organisms cross the placenta to infect the fetus in a pregnant woman.…”

Secondary syphilis: the classical triad of skin rash, mucosal ulceration and lymphadenopathy

“…Other studies of sexual partners of patients with primary or secondary syphilis reported that 48.5 -62.1% of contacts were, themselves, infected. 97,98 Current UK national guidelines suggest partner notification up to two years from the onset of symptoms, 75 whereas in the USA, a period of six months plus duration of symptoms is specified. 77 Epidemiological treatment should be offered at initial assessment to sexual contacts exposed within the 90 days preceding the diagnosis of secondary syphilis, even when serological tests prove negative.…”

Benzathine Penicillin in the Management of the Treponematoses

“…The studies of Plotke, Eisenberg, Baker, and Laughlin (1949), Alexander and Schoch (1949), and Alexander, Schoch, and Mantooth (1949) in small series of early syphilis patients and their contacts are well known, as are the views of Leifer and Martin (1946), Durel (1954), and others on the epidemiological effectiveness and applicability of preventive treatment. Only passing reference will be made therefore to the work of these investigators as well as to the practical experience of Eagle, Gude, Beckman, Mast, Sapero, andShindledecker (1948, 1949), Campbell, Dougherty, and Curtis (1949), Babione, Hedgecock, and Ray (1952), and similar unpublished experiences of British workers in the prevention of gonorrhoea or syphilis among naval personnel in ports.…”