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Primary-Secondary Syphilis Overlap — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardSTIsPrimary-Secondary Syphilis OverlapSCE Infectious Diseases

A chancre remains present when a generalised palmar and plantar rash develops and syphilis serology is strongly reactive. How should this be staged?

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

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Correct answer: C — Overlapping primary and secondary syphilis

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · C = shown as B · E = shown as C · B = shown as D · A = shown as E

E is correct because stages may overlap. A and B ignore concurrent findings; C requires no clinical manifestations; D is incompatible with current infectious lesions.

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