Syphilis Infectiousness — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardSTIsSyphilis InfectiousnessSCE Infectious Diseases

A patient has a PCR-positive oral primary-syphilis chancre. When may direct-contact transmission from the lesion be considered substantially reduced?

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Correct answer: B — After effective treatment and healing of infectious lesions, while following BASHH abstinence advice

The best answer is “After effective treatment and healing of infectious lesions, while following BASHH abstinence advice”. Direct-contact transmission from a syphilitic chancre is substantially reduced after effective treatment and healing of infectious lesions, subject to BASHH abstinence advice. RPR may remain reactive despite successful treatment and is not the clearance endpoint. Blood sampling, rash progression, or an arbitrary 12-month interval do not establish reduced lesion infectivity.

Reference: BASHH syphilis 2024: https://www.bashh.org/resources/25/guidelines_syphilis_2024/