Understanding and managing syphilis. Issue 12 (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gray, Thomas G; Powles, Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: InnovAiT. Volume 6:Issue 12(2013)
• Page Start: 781
• Page End: 789
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: Family medicine -- Periodicals; Physicians (General practice) -- Training of -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1177/1755738013504321
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-7380

Abstract

It was once thought that improvements in sexual health care had nearly eradicated syphilis in developed countries. However, it remained a worldwide problem, and in recent years has begun to resurge in Western Europe, China and the USA. There are an estimated 12 000 000 individuals infected globally each year. Syphilis has many clinical manifestations and is known for imitating other conditions; Sir William Osler famously said: 'he who knows syphilis knows medicine'. It is highly probable that most GPs will come across syphilis in their working lives and understanding its clinical features, investigation, diagnosis and management is essential.