Secondary Syphilis
| Definition |
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- Secondary Syphilis describes the second stage of clinical consequences which arise following inoculation with T. pallidum.
| Chronology |
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- The signs of Secondary Syphilis usually arise 6-8 weeks after the lesion of Primary Syphilis spontaneously resolves. In a small minority of patients Primary and Secondary Syphilitic symptoms may overlap. Secondary Syphilis usually resolves spontaneously about 1-6 months after the onset of symptoms and enters a Latent phase.
| Clinical Consequences |
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- Mucocutaneous Symptoms
- Secondary Syphilis is heralded by the appearance of characteristic lesions on mucous membranes and the skin. The rash is composed of reddish/pinkish macules or papules that are diffusely distributed but characteristically involve the palms and soles of the hands and feet.
- In moist areas of skin such as the axillae, vagina, scrotum, and Peri-anal region, papules can enlarge and are described as "Condyloma Lata" which are highly infectious structures due to their capacity to shed large numbers of spirochetes.
- Generalized Lymphadenoapthy
- Secondary Syphilis is characterized by a generalized, non-tender lymphadenopathy of lymph nodes throughout the body.
- Kidney
- In a fraction of patients development of immune complexes during Secondary Syphilis leads to glomerular disease characterized by Membranous Glomerulonephritis.