A 29-year-old woman is diagnosed with secondary syphilis. She has widespread maculopapular rash, mucosal patches, and condylomata lata. She asks wheth...

Question

A 29-year-old woman is diagnosed with secondary syphilis. She has widespread maculopapular rash, mucosal patches, and condylomata lata. She asks whether she is infectious. What should she be told?

Accepted Answer

Secondary syphilis is HIGHLY infectious; direct contact with mucosal lesions and condylomata lata can transmit the infection. She should avoid sexual contact until treated and follow-up confirms response

Answer

Secondary syphilis is not infectious

Answer

She is only infectious if she has a genital ulcer

Answer

She becomes non-infectious after 24 hours of treatment

Answer

Infectivity depends on her CD4 count

uk-dfsrh MCQ (SBA): Secondary Syphilis Highly Infectious

A 29-year-old woman is diagnosed with secondary syphilis. She has widespread maculopapular rash, mucosal patches, and condylomata lata. She asks whether she is infectious. What should she be told?