A Middle Aged Gentleman Presenting with Subacute Neurosyphilis: Report and Literature Review

J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2022 Apr 12;12(2):10-13. doi: 10.55729/2000-9666.1040. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease spread by spirochete Treponema Pallidum, it has a varied range of symptoms and is divided into stages primary, secondary and tertiary. Central nervous system (CNS) invasion occurs early in the disease in almost all the patients, and does not follow any particular stage. However, clinical manifestation depends on whether inflammatory response occurs. (1)(2) Early neurosyphilis typically affects cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and meninges presenting like meningitis, while late affects the brain and spinal cord parenchyma, presenting as tabes dorsalis and paresis. Here we present a case of a patient with symptomatic neurosyphilis presenting with CSF findings of bacterial meningitis.

Keywords: Atypical presentation of neurosyphilis; CSF Fluorescent treponemal antigen; CSF Veneral disease research laboratory test; IV aqueous Penicillin; MRSA meningitis; Rapid plasma reagin test; antibody test.

Publication types

  • Case Reports