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Syphilis - secondary

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Definition:

Secondary syphilis is the second stage of the sexually transmitted disease syphilis. This stage is the most contagious.

Alternative Names:

Secondary syphilis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum . Syphilis has three main stages: primary syphilis , secondary syphilis, and tertiary syphilis .

About a third of untreated individuals with primary syphilis will develop secondary syphilis. This usually occurs at about 2 to 8 weeks after the appearance of the original painless sore (chancre). Sometimes, the sore may still be present.

In secondary syphilis, the bacteria has spread into the bloodstream.

References:

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2005:2274-2276.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Syphilis Infection: Recommendation Statement. Ann Fam Med 2004; 2: 362-365.

• Review Date: 6/22/2007
• Reviewed By: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB)Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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