Pathologically Confirmed Malignant Syphilis in an HIV-Infected Patient

Naoki Yanagisawa; Minoru Ando; Akifumi Imamura; Kumiko Akagi; Shin-ichiro Horiguchi; Akihiko Suganuma; Atsushi Ajisawa

doi:10.2169/internalmedicine.50.5605

CASE REPORTS

Pathologically Confirmed Malignant Syphilis in an HIV-Infected Patient

Naoki Yanagisawa, Minoru Ando, Akifumi Imamura, Kumiko Akagi, Shin-ichiro Horiguchi, Akihiko Suganuma, Atsushi Ajisawa

Author information

Keywords: malignant syphilis, HIV, ulceronodular skin lesions

JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS

2011 Volume 50 Issue 20 Pages 2423-2426

DOI https://doi.org/10.2169/internalmedicine.50.5605

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Abstract

We report a case of pathologically confirmed malignant syphilis in an HIV-infected patient. Physical examinations revealed ulceronecrotic skin lesions. Skin biopsies demonstrated syphilis spirochetes on immunohistochemical stain, and syphilis serological titers were positive. Treatment with intravenous penicillin G was begun, and complete resolution of the skin lesions was observed. A rapid plasma reagin titer test performed 3 months after treatment revealed a 4-fold reduction in the titer, indicating successful treatment.

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