Neurosyphilis overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Neurosyphilis refers to a site of infection involving the [[central nervous system]] (CNS). It 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 drug|antiretroviral therapy]] in recent years has further complicated such characterization. | Neurosyphilis refers to a site of infection involving the [[central nervous system]] (CNS). It 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 drug|antiretroviral therapy]] in recent years has further complicated such characterization. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | |||
Neurosyphilis is caused by [[Treponema pallidum]], the bacteria that cause syphilis. It usually occurs about 10 - 20 years after a person is first infected with syphilis. Not everyone who has syphilis will develop this complication. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 20:24, 10 December 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Neurosyphilis refers to a site of infection involving the central nervous system (CNS). It 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.
Pathophysiology
Neurosyphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum, the bacteria that cause syphilis. It usually occurs about 10 - 20 years after a person is first infected with syphilis. Not everyone who has syphilis will develop this complication.