Syphilis pathophysiology: Difference between revisions

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*Primary syphilis is typically acquired via direct sexual contact with the infectious lesions of a person with syphilis.<ref name=RedBookSyphilis>{{citation | editor=Pickering LK | contribution=Syphilis | title= Red Book | publisher=American Academy of Pediatrics | location= Elk Grove Village, IL | date=2006 | pages=631-644}}</ref>  
*Primary syphilis is typically acquired via direct sexual contact with the infectious lesions of a person with syphilis.<ref name=RedBookSyphilis>{{citation | editor=Pickering LK | contribution=Syphilis | title= Red Book | publisher=American Academy of Pediatrics | location= Elk Grove Village, IL | date=2006 | pages=631-644}}</ref>  


*Approximately 10-90 days after the initial exposure (average 21 days), a skin lesion appears at the point of contact, e.g. the [[genitalia]]. This genital lesion, is called '''[[chancre]]''' which is a firm, painless skin ulceration localized at the point of initial exposure to the spirochete, often on the [[penis]], [[vagina]] or [[rectum]].  
*Approximately 10-90 days after the initial exposure (average 21 days), a skin lesion appears at the point of contact, e.g. the [[genitalia]]. This genital lesion, is called [[chancre]] which is a firm, painless skin ulceration localized at the point of initial exposure to the spirochete, often on the [[penis]], [[vagina]] or [[rectum]].  


*Rarely, there may be multiple lesions present although typically only one lesion is seen.  
*Rarely, there may be multiple lesions present although typically only one lesion is seen.  
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*During the initial incubation period, individuals are otherwise [[asymptomatic]]. As a result, many patients do not seek medical care immediately.
*During the initial incubation period, individuals are otherwise [[asymptomatic]]. As a result, many patients do not seek medical care immediately.


*Syphilis can '''not be contracted''' through toilet seats, daily activities, hot tubs, or sharing eating utensils or clothing.<ref>{{cite web  | last = Centers for Disease Control (CDC) | authorlink = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  | title =STD Facts - Syphilis  | publisher = [[Centers for Disease Control]]  | date = 05-2004  | url = http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm }}</ref>
*Syphilis can not be contracted through toilet seats, daily activities, hot tubs, or sharing eating utensils or clothing.<ref>{{cite web  | last = Centers for Disease Control (CDC) | authorlink = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  | title =STD Facts - Syphilis  | publisher = [[Centers for Disease Control]]  | date = 05-2004  | url = http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm }}</ref>


====Secondary syphilis====
====Secondary syphilis====
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*There are many different manifestations of secondary disease.  
*There are many different manifestations of secondary disease.  
:*There may be a '''symmetrical reddish-pink non-itchy rash''' on the trunk and extremities.<ref name=2darySyphilis>{{cite journal | author=Dylewski J, Duong M | title=The rash of secondary syphilis | journal=CMAJ. | date= 2007 Jan 2 | volume=176 | issue=1 | pages=33-5 | doi= 10.1503/cmaj.060665}}</ref>  
:*There may be a symmetrical reddish-pink non-itchy rash on the trunk and extremities.<ref name=2darySyphilis>{{cite journal | author=Dylewski J, Duong M | title=The rash of secondary syphilis | journal=CMAJ. | date= 2007 Jan 2 | volume=176 | issue=1 | pages=33-5 | doi= 10.1503/cmaj.060665}}</ref>  
:*The rash can involve the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.  
:*The rash can involve the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.  
:*In moist areas of the body, the rash becomes flat broad whitish lesions known as '''condylomata lata'''.  
:*In moist areas of the body, the rash becomes flat broad whitish lesions known as condylomata lata.  
:*Mucous patches may also appear on the genitals or in the mouth.  
:*Mucous patches may also appear on the genitals or in the mouth.  
:*All of these lesions are infectious and harbor active treponeme organisms.  
:*All of these lesions are infectious and harbor active treponeme organisms.  


*A patient with syphilis is '''most contagious''' when he or she has secondary syphilis.  
*A patient with syphilis is most contagious when he or she has secondary syphilis.  


*Other symptoms common at this stage include:
*Other symptoms common at this stage include:
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*Latent syphilis is further described as either early or late.  
*Latent syphilis is further described as either early or late.  
:*'''Early latent syphilis''' is defined as having syphilis for two years or less from the time of initial infection without signs or symptoms of disease.  
:*Early latent syphilis is defined as having syphilis for two years or less from the time of initial infection without signs or symptoms of disease.  


:*'''Late latent syphilis''' is infection for greater than two years but without clinical evidence of disease. The distinction is important for both therapy and risk for transmission.  
:*Late latent syphilis is infection for greater than two years but without clinical evidence of disease. The distinction is important for both therapy and risk for transmission.  


*In the real-world, the timing of infection is often not known and should be presumed to be late for the purpose of therapy. Early latent syphilis may be treated with a single intramuscular injection of a long-acting penicillin. Late latent syphilis, however, requires three weekly injections.
*In the real-world, the timing of infection is often not known and should be presumed to be late for the purpose of therapy. Early latent syphilis may be treated with a single intramuscular injection of a long-acting penicillin. Late latent syphilis, however, requires three weekly injections.
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*Tertiary syphilis usually occurs 1-10 years after the initial infection, though in some cases it can take up to 50 years.  
*Tertiary syphilis usually occurs 1-10 years after the initial infection, though in some cases it can take up to 50 years.  


*This stage is characterized by the formation of '''gummas''' which are soft, tumor-like balls of inflammation known as [[granuloma]]s.  
*This stage is characterized by the formation of gummas which are soft, tumor-like balls of inflammation known as [[granuloma]]s.  


*The granulomas are chronic and represent an inability of the immune system to completely clear the organism.  
*The granulomas are chronic and represent an inability of the immune system to completely clear the organism.  
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*The more severe manifestations include neurosyphilis and cardiovascular syphilis. In a study of untreated syphilis, 10% of patients developed cardiovascular syphilis, 16% had gumma formation, and 7% had neurosyphilis.<ref name=Oslo>{{cite journal | author=Clark EG, Danbolt N |title=The Oslo study of the natural course of untreated syphilis: An epidemiologic investigation based on a re-study of the Boeck-Bruusgaard material | journal=Med Clin North Am. | date=1964 | volume=48 | pages=613}}</ref>
*The more severe manifestations include neurosyphilis and cardiovascular syphilis. In a study of untreated syphilis, 10% of patients developed cardiovascular syphilis, 16% had gumma formation, and 7% had neurosyphilis.<ref name=Oslo>{{cite journal | author=Clark EG, Danbolt N |title=The Oslo study of the natural course of untreated syphilis: An epidemiologic investigation based on a re-study of the Boeck-Bruusgaard material | journal=Med Clin North Am. | date=1964 | volume=48 | pages=613}}</ref>


:*'''Neurological complications''' at this stage can be diverse. In some patients, manifestations include:  
:*Neurological complications at this stage can be diverse. In some patients, manifestations include:  
::*''[[general paresis of the insane|generalized paresis of the insane]]'' which results in personality changes, changes in emotional affect, hyperactive reflexes, and  
::*''[[general paresis of the insane|generalized paresis of the insane]]'' which results in personality changes, changes in emotional affect, hyperactive reflexes, and  
::*''[[Argyll-Robertson pupil]]'': this is a diagnostic sign in which the small and irregular pupils constrict in response to focusing the eyes, but not to light.  
::*''[[Argyll-Robertson pupil]]'': this is a diagnostic sign in which the small and irregular pupils constrict in response to focusing the eyes, but not to light.  
::*''[[Tabes dorsalis]]'', also known as [[locomotor ataxia]], a disorder of the [[spinal cord]], often results in a characteristic shuffling gait.
::*''[[Tabes dorsalis]]'', also known as [[locomotor ataxia]], a disorder of the [[spinal cord]], often results in a characteristic shuffling gait.


:*'''Cardiovascular complications''' include:
:*Cardiovascular complications include:
::*[[syphilitic aortitis]]: syphilitic aortitis can cause ''[[de Musset's sign]]'',<ref>{{cite journal | author=Sapira JD | title="Quincke, de Musset, Duroziez, and Hill: some aortic regurgitations" | journal=South Med J. | date=1981 Apr | volume=74 | issue=4 | pages=459-67 }}</ref> a bobbing of the head that de Musset first noted in Parisian prostitutes.  
::*[[syphilitic aortitis]]: syphilitic aortitis can cause ''[[de Musset's sign]]'',<ref>{{cite journal | author=Sapira JD | title="Quincke, de Musset, Duroziez, and Hill: some aortic regurgitations" | journal=South Med J. | date=1981 Apr | volume=74 | issue=4 | pages=459-67 }}</ref> a bobbing of the head that de Musset first noted in Parisian prostitutes.  
::*[[aortic aneurysm]],  
::*[[aortic aneurysm]],  
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:*Demonstrated reactivity to Venereal Disease Research Laboratory ([[VDRL]]) antibody test
:*Demonstrated reactivity to Venereal Disease Research Laboratory ([[VDRL]]) antibody test


*There are '''four clinical types of neurosyphilis:'''
*There are four clinical types of neurosyphilis:
:*The late forms of neurosyphilis (tabes dorsalis and general paresis) are seen much less frequently since the advent of antibiotics.  
:*The late forms of neurosyphilis (tabes dorsalis and general paresis) are seen much less frequently since the advent of antibiotics.  
:*The most common manifestations today are asymptomatic or symptomatic meningitis.  
:*The most common manifestations today are asymptomatic or symptomatic meningitis.  
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::*develops 15-20 years after primary infection
::*develops 15-20 years after primary infection
::*[[argyll robertson pupil]]: small irregular pupil
::*[[argyll robertson pupil]]: small irregular pupil
::*clinical presents as '''[[general paresis]]''' or '''[[tabes dorsalis]]''' with resultant [[ataxia]]
::*clinical presents as [[general paresis]] or [[tabes dorsalis]] with resultant [[ataxia]]
:::*General paresis<ref name=AMN>{{cite journal | author = Richard B. Jamess, MD, PhD | title = [http://www.health.am/sex/syphilis/ Syphilis- Sexually Transmitted Infections], 2006. | journal =Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines | volume = | issue = | pages = | year = 2002}}</ref>, otherwise known as general paresis of the insane, is a severe manifestation of neurosyphilis.  
:::*General paresis<ref name=AMN>{{cite journal | author = Richard B. Jamess, MD, PhD | title = [http://www.health.am/sex/syphilis/ Syphilis- Sexually Transmitted Infections], 2006. | journal =Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines | volume = | issue = | pages = | year = 2002}}</ref>, otherwise known as general paresis of the insane, is a severe manifestation of neurosyphilis.  



Revision as of 21:02, 17 December 2012

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Overview

Syphilis is caused by a spirochete, treponema pallidum. It has an incubation period of 3 - 12 weeks. Spirochete penetrates intact mucous membrane or microscopic dermal abrasions and rapidly enters systemic circulation with the central nervous system being invaded during the early phase of infection. The meninges and blood vessels are initially involved with the brain parenchyma and spinal cord being involved in the later stages of the disease. The histopathological hallmark findings are endarteritis and plasma cell-rich infiltrates reflecting a delayed-type of hypersensitivity to the spirochete

Pathophysiology

Congential

For information on congenital syphilis click here.

Acquired

Primary syphilis

  • Primary syphilis is typically acquired via direct sexual contact with the infectious lesions of a person with syphilis.[1]
  • Approximately 10-90 days after the initial exposure (average 21 days), a skin lesion appears at the point of contact, e.g. the genitalia. This genital lesion, is called chancre which is a firm, painless skin ulceration localized at the point of initial exposure to the spirochete, often on the penis, vagina or rectum.
  • Rarely, there may be multiple lesions present although typically only one lesion is seen.
Primary chancre of syphilis at the site of infection on the hand
Primary chancre of syphilis at the site of infection on the hand


  • The lesion may persist for 4 to 6 weeks and usually heals spontaneously.
  • During the initial incubation period, individuals are otherwise asymptomatic. As a result, many patients do not seek medical care immediately.
  • Syphilis can not be contracted through toilet seats, daily activities, hot tubs, or sharing eating utensils or clothing.[2]

Secondary syphilis

  • Secondary syphilis occurs approximately 1-6 months (commonly 6 to 8 weeks) after the primary infection.
  • There are many different manifestations of secondary disease.
  • There may be a symmetrical reddish-pink non-itchy rash on the trunk and extremities.[3]
  • The rash can involve the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
  • In moist areas of the body, the rash becomes flat broad whitish lesions known as condylomata lata.
  • Mucous patches may also appear on the genitals or in the mouth.
  • All of these lesions are infectious and harbor active treponeme organisms.
  • A patient with syphilis is most contagious when he or she has secondary syphilis.
  • Other symptoms common at this stage include:
  • Rare manifestations include:

Latent syphilis

  • Latent syphilis is defined as having serologic proof of infection without signs or symptoms of disease.[1]
  • Latent syphilis is further described as either early or late.
  • Early latent syphilis is defined as having syphilis for two years or less from the time of initial infection without signs or symptoms of disease.
  • Late latent syphilis is infection for greater than two years but without clinical evidence of disease. The distinction is important for both therapy and risk for transmission.
  • In the real-world, the timing of infection is often not known and should be presumed to be late for the purpose of therapy. Early latent syphilis may be treated with a single intramuscular injection of a long-acting penicillin. Late latent syphilis, however, requires three weekly injections.
  • For infectiousness, however, late latent syphilis is not considered as contagious as early latent syphilis.

Tertiary syphilis

  • Tertiary syphilis usually occurs 1-10 years after the initial infection, though in some cases it can take up to 50 years.
  • This stage is characterized by the formation of gummas which are soft, tumor-like balls of inflammation known as granulomas.
  • The granulomas are chronic and represent an inability of the immune system to completely clear the organism.
  • Gummas were once readily seen in the skin and mucous membranes although they tend to occur internally in recent history. They may appear almost anywhere in the body including in the skeleton.
  • The gummas produce a chronic inflammatory state in the body with mass-effects upon the local anatomy.
  • Other characteristics of untreated tertiary syphilis include neuropathic joint disease, which are a degeneration of joint surfaces resulting from loss of sensation and fine position sense (proprioception).
  • The more severe manifestations include neurosyphilis and cardiovascular syphilis. In a study of untreated syphilis, 10% of patients developed cardiovascular syphilis, 16% had gumma formation, and 7% had neurosyphilis.[4]
  • Neurological complications at this stage can be diverse. In some patients, manifestations include:
  • Cardiovascular complications include:
  • The course can be insidious, and heart failure may be the presenting sign after years of disease.
  • The infection can also occur in the coronary arteries and cause narrowing of the vessels.

Neurosyphilis

  • Neurosyphilis may occur at any stage of syphilis.
  • Before the advent of antibiotics, it was typically seen in 25-35% of patients with syphilis.
  • Neurosyphilis is now most common in patients with HIV infection. Reports of neurosyphilis in HIV-infected persons are similar to cases reported before the HIV pandemic. The precise extent and significance of neurologic involvement in HIV-infected patients with syphilis, reflected by either laboratory or clinical criteria, have not been well characterized. Furthermore, the alteration of host immunosuppression by antiretroviral therapy in recent years has further complicated such characterization.
  • An abnormal leukocyte cell count, protein level, or glucose level
  • Demonstrated reactivity to Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) antibody test
  • There are four clinical types of neurosyphilis:
  • The late forms of neurosyphilis (tabes dorsalis and general paresis) are seen much less frequently since the advent of antibiotics.
  • The most common manifestations today are asymptomatic or symptomatic meningitis.
1. Asymptomatic meningitis
  • Asymptomatic neurosyphilis usually has no signs or symptoms and is diagnosed exclusively with the presence or absence of CSF abnormalities notably pleocytosis, elevated protein, decreased glucose.
2. Symptomatic meningitis
  • develops within 6-months to several years of primary infection
  • typical meningitis symptoms: headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia
  • Acute syphilitic meningitis usually occurs within the first year of infection; 10% of cases are diagnosed at the time of the secondary rash.
  • Patients present with headache, meningeal irritation, and cranial nerve abnormalities, especially the optic nerve, facial nerve, and the vestibulocochlear nerve.
  • Rarely, it affects the spine instead of the brain, causing focal muscle weakness or sensory loss.
3. Meningovascular syphilis
  • Meningovascular syphilis occurs a few months to 10 years (average, 7 years) after the primary syphilis infection.
  • Meningovascular syphilis can be associated with prodromal symptoms lasting weeks to months before focal deficits are identifiable.
  • Prodromal symptoms include:
  • The focal deficits initially are intermittent or progress slowly over a few days.
  • However, it can also present as an infectious arteritis and cause an ischemic stroke, an outcome more commonly seen in younger patients.
  • Angiography may be able to demonstrate areas of narrowing in the blood vessels or total occlusion.
4. Parenchymatous neurosyphilis
  • General paresis[6], otherwise known as general paresis of the insane, is a severe manifestation of neurosyphilis.
  • It is a chronic dementia which ultimately results in death in as little as 2-3 years.
  • Patients generally have progressive personality changes, memory loss, and poor judgment.
  • Imaging of the brain usually shows atrophy.

Histopathological Findings

Brain: Gumma of syphilis

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Brain: Paresis (syphilis)

{{#ev:youtube|1Ibu71qHznA}}

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Pickering LK, ed. (2006), "Syphilis", Red Book, Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics, pp. 631–644
  2. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (05-2004). "STD Facts - Syphilis". Centers for Disease Control. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. Dylewski J, Duong M (2007 Jan 2). "The rash of secondary syphilis". CMAJ. 176 (1): 33–5. doi:10.1503/cmaj.060665. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. Clark EG, Danbolt N (1964). "The Oslo study of the natural course of untreated syphilis: An epidemiologic investigation based on a re-study of the Boeck-Bruusgaard material". Med Clin North Am. 48: 613.
  5. Sapira JD (1981 Apr). ""Quincke, de Musset, Duroziez, and Hill: some aortic regurgitations"". South Med J. 74 (4): 459–67. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. Richard B. Jamess, MD, PhD (2002). "Syphilis- Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2006". Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. External link in |title= (help)


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