Article Text
Abstract
Syphilis is a resurgent sexually transmitted infection in the UK that is disproportionately diagnosed in patients living with HIV, particularly in men who have sex with men. Syphilis appears to present differently in patients with HIV, particularly in those with severe immunosuppression. Progression to neurosyphilis is more common in HIV coinfection and can be asymptomatic, often for several years. The presentations of neurosyphilis vary but can include meningitis, meningovascular disease, general paresis and tabes dorsalis. There is debate about the circumstances in which to perform a lumbar puncture, and the current gold standard diagnostics have inadequate sensitivity. We recommend a pragmatic approach to lumbar punctures, interpreting investigations and deciding when to consider treatment with a neuropenetrative antibiotic regimen.
- neurosyphilis
- syphilis
- HIV
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Footnotes
Contributors EH and DL conducted the literature search and appraised the evidence. EH and DL prepared the manuscript. MM, AWB, BHR and JHV reviewed the manuscript and provided specialist input.
Funding None declared.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent Detail has been removed from this case description/these case descriptions to ensure anonymity. The editors and reviewers have seen the detailed information available and are satisfied that the information backs up the case the authors are making.
Provenance and peer review Provenance and peer review. Commissioned. Externally peer reviewed. This paper was reviewed by Nicholas Davies, London, UK.
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