매독
Syphilis as of 3/8/2020
매독이란 |
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임상 역학 |
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매독 피부발진 |
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매독 진단검사 |
1. 암시야 현미경 검사법으로 매독균을 찾아 진단한다.2. 비트레포네마 검사로 진단한다.
3. 전통적인 비트레포네마 검사로 진단한다.
4. 새 혈청 검사로 진단한다.
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신경 매독 |
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치료 |
1. 초기 매독(1기, 2기 초기 잠복기)의 감염 후 1년 이전 치료
2. 후기 잠복 매독 (감염 후 1년 이상이 된 매독이나 감염됐을 때를 확실히 모를 때
3. 신경매독
4. 임신부나 선천성 매독은
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추적 치료 |
1. 증상이 없어지고2. 매독검사 결과가 정상으로 돌아가고 (RPR과 VDR 검사)3. 검사 간격
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참조 및 소스: HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL, INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN PRIMARY CARE, OCTOBER 14-16, 2015
Red Book 30th edition 2015, NEJM 2/27/2020
Copyright drleepediatrics.com 2026년 2월 27일
Syphilis
(As of March 8, 2020)
**What is Syphilis?**
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by infection with the spirochete bacterium *Treponema pallidum*.
Syphilis can be classified into several stages: primary syphilis, secondary syphilis, latent syphilis, tertiary syphilis, and neurosyphilis.
If left untreated, the disease may progress from secondary syphilis into a latent stage that can persist for the remainder of the patient’s life.
**Clinical Epidemiology**
In the United States, the annual incidence of syphilis steadily declined until 1990; however, since 2000, the incidence rate has been on the rise for the past 20 years. It is reported that there was a 71% increase in cases between 2014 and 2018.
The disease occurs with particular frequency among men, specifically those who have sex with men (MSM). Men are reported to account for 86% of all syphilis cases.
It is common for men infected with syphilis to also have a co-infection with HIV.
Furthermore, the incidence of syphilis is currently increasing among women as well.
**Syphilis Skin Rash**
Skin rashes are most commonly observed during the secondary stage of syphilis.
They typically begin on the torso and the proximal (upper) parts of the limbs. The rash is bilateral (appearing on both sides of the body) and appears pink or red in color.
It manifests as distinct, separate spots; pustules may also develop.
The rash can appear on the skin of any part of the body.
It may also appear on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands.
Syphilis rashes occurring in the genital area are referred to as *condyloma lata*.
Rashes may also appear on the scalp, potentially leading to patchy hair loss (alopecia).
**Diagnostic Testing for Syphilis**
1. Diagnosis is established by identifying the *Treponema* bacteria using dark-field microscopy.
2. Diagnosis is also performed using non-treponemal tests.
Screening is typically conducted using VDRL or RPR tests. A prozone phenomenon (antibody excess reaction) may occur.
3. Diagnosis is established using traditional non-treponemal tests.
These include the FTA antibody test, MHA-TP/TPHA, TPI test,
and specific confirmatory tests.
These tests help identify the site of infection and typically yield positive results for the remainder of the patient’s life (in over 90% of cases).
4. Diagnosis is also performed using newer serological tests.
Automated serological tests
demonstrate higher sensitivity during the early stages of syphilis.
Confirmatory testing is required.
Neurosyphilis
Central nervous system infection can occur at any stage of syphilis.
A variety of symptoms may manifest during either the early or late stages of the disease.
The condition may be asymptomatic;
alternatively, it may present as meningitis, cranial nerve palsies, stroke, or cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral vasculitis.
General paresis—characterized by changes in cognition and personality—may also occur.
Tabes dorsalis (spinal syphilis) may develop as a result of infection affecting the dorsal root ganglia.
Ocular syphilis and optic neuritis may also occur.
Diagnosis is established through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, specifically by performing VDRL/RPR, FTA, protein, and white blood cell counts. Treatment
1. Treatment for Early Syphilis (Stage 1, Stage 2, and Early Latent Syphilis—within one year of infection)
Benzathine Penicillin
Alternative antibiotics: Doxycycline or Ceftriaxone
2. Late Latent Syphilis (Syphilis present for more than one year after infection, or when the time of infection is uncertain)
Benzathine Penicillin
Alternative: Doxycycline
3. Neurosyphilis
Penicillin G (Intravenous)
Alternative: Ceftriaxone
4. Pregnant Women or Congenital Syphilis
Penicillin
Follow-up Care
1. Resolution of symptoms
2. Return to normal results on syphilis tests (RPR and VDRL tests)
3. Testing intervals
Stage 1 or Stage 2 Syphilis: Every 6 to 12 months
Latent Syphilis: At 6, 12, 18, and 24 months
In cases of co-infection with HIV and syphilis: Test at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months.
There is no available vaccine for syphilis.
References and Sources: HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL, INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN PRIMARY CARE, OCTOBER 14-16, 2015
Red Book 30th Edition (2015), NEJM 2/27/2020
Copyright drleepediatrics.com, February 27, 2026