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Secondary syphilis — ABFM Board MCQ

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HardInfectious diseaseSecondary syphilisABFM Board

A 24-year-old man has fever, diffuse rash involving palms and soles, mucous patches, and generalized lymphadenopathy. He had a painless penile ulcer 6 weeks ago that resolved. RPR is positive. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: B — Secondary syphilis

Secondary syphilis commonly presents with fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, mucous patches, and rash involving palms and soles after a healed chancre. Treat with benzathine penicillin G according to stage.

Reference: CDC STI Treatment Guidelines, Syphilis, 2021