skip to main content

Infectious Diseases — UKMLA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardInfectious DiseasesUKMLAMRCP Part 1

A patient has a solitary painless genital ulcer, non-tender lymphadenopathy and positive treponemal serology consistent with primary syphilis. What is the standard first-line treatment?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Intramuscular benzathine penicillin G treatment

The best answer is “Intramuscular benzathine penicillin G treatment”. Primary syphilis is treated first line with intramuscular benzathine penicillin G according to the BASHH regimen. Follow-up serology documents response and partner notification is essential. Herpes antivirals and wart treatment do not treat Treponema pallidum, while alternative antibiotics are reserved for defined circumstances.

Reference: BASHH UK guideline for syphilis: https://www.bashh.org/resources/25/syphilis_2024