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Yaws — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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ModerateTropical & Imported InfectionsYawsSCE Infectious Diseases

A 30-year-old man from Central Africa presents with a painless chancre-like genital ulcer. His partner has been diagnosed with Treponema pallidum pertenue infection (yaws). What is the appropriate treatment for yaws?

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

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Correct answer: E — Azithromycin 30 mg/kg single oral dose (maximum 2 g) — WHO-recommended single-dose treatment for yaws

Yaws (caused by T. pallidum subsp. pertenue) is a non-venereal treponemal infection endemic to tropical regions. The WHO Morges strategy for yaws eradication recommends single-dose oral Azithromycin (30 mg/kg, maximum 2 g) as the treatment of choice — replacing the traditional Benzathine Penicillin IM injection. This change has transformed yaws eradication efforts due to the ease of oral administration. Standard syphilis serology (RPR, TPHA) cannot distinguish yaws from syphilis — clinical context and epidemiology are essential.

Reference: WHO 2024 – Yaws eradication strategy; Lancet 2012 – Azithromycin for yaws