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Syphilis partner notification — DFSRH MCQ

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HardSTI diagnosis and managementSyphilis partner notificationDFSRH

A 23-year-old woman treated for early syphilis asks why her partner is being contacted. She had a painless ulcer 6 weeks ago and now has a rash. What is the most appropriate management principle?

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

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Correct answer: B — Partner notification and treatment are required to prevent reinfection and onward transmission

Syphilis management includes partner notification and follow-up serology to prevent reinfection and onward transmission. Symptom improvement does not remove infectious risk or partner needs. Contraception counselling is useful but does not replace STI management, and macrolides are not preferred due to resistance concerns. The pearl is that syphilis care continues beyond the first injection.

Reference: BASHH Guideline: Syphilis 2024