Syphilis is a bacterial STI which if left untreated, can cause serious complications or death. There is currently an outbreak in the Perth metropolitan area. We recommend having a low threshold in testing for syphilis.
Syphilis presentation
50% of cases are asymptomatic
Test for syphilis in all patients presenting with a genital ulcer.
– Painless ulcer/chancre around genitals, anus, or mouth – Generalised rash, fever, malaise, headache – Enlarged lymph nodes – Neurological signs, cranial nerve palsies, ophthalmic signs, meningitis |
Infectious <2 years | Commonly called primary, secondary and early latent syphilis |
Skin lesions (gummas), cardiovascular or neurological complications | Non-infectious >2 years | Commonly called late latent and tertiary syphilis |
Common diagnoses that present like syphilis
Syphilis may imitate | Presentation |
Herpes simplex 1, 2 | Multiple superficial oral and genital ulcers |
Candidiasis | Redness, itching, discomfort in affected area. |
Chancroid | Painful sores on the genitalia |
Urethritis | Discharge from the penis, stinging or burning when passing urine. Itching, tingling irritation inside of the penis |
Cystitis | Abnormal urine colour, urinary frequency or increased urgency. Flank pain, back pain, pressure in lower back or pelvis. Nausea, vomiting, fever, chills. |
Other STIs | Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Trichomonas vaginalis |
HIV | Acute illness with fever, lymphadenopathy, rash, fatigue and myalgia. |
Dermatitis | Itchy inflammatory conditions, epidermal changes |
Guttate Psoriasis | Inflammatory skin condition with widespread small plaques |
Pityriasis rosea | Pink, flaky, oval-shaped rash followed by similar, smaller oval red patches mainly on the trunk. Viral rash may be accompanied with headache, fatigue, fever and nausea. |
Viral exanthem | Measles, mumps, chicken pox, cytomegalovirus, rubella. Findings may include fever and rash. |
Mononucleosis | Low-grade fever, sore throat, white patches on tonsils and back of throat, weakness, fatigue, tender lymphadenopathy, petechial haemorrhage and skin rash. |
Brain tumour | Findings may overlap with neurosyphilis including headache, seizures, visual changes and personality changes. |
Other causes of seizures | Neurosyphilitic disease can present with seizures and must be differentiated from other causes of seizures |
Other causes of stroke | Weakness, sensory loss, ataxia, cranial nerve damage. |
Meningococcemia | Rash, petechiae, headache, confusion, stick neck, malaise, fever, altered mental state, nausea and vomiting. |
Testing
- Dry swab any ulcer. Ask for a GUMP PCR. (Genital ulcer multiplex PCR) This tests for herpes, syphilis, chancroid, donovanosis.
- Blood test. Ask for syphilis serology
Patients being treated for primary and secondary syphilis should have a rapid plasma reagin test (RPR) repeated on the day treatment is commenced to provide an accurate baseline for monitoring treatment.
Pregnant and post-partum women should be tested for syphilis in accordance with WA Health recommendations.
Treatment
Penicillin is the drug of choice for treating syphilis as its effectiveness is well established and treponemes have not developed penicillin resistance.
There is little evidence for non-penicillin regimes which must be regarded as inferior. Assess for true penicillin allergy before seeking alternatives.
Refer here for treatment in pregnancy.
Recommended | Alternative | |
Infectious | Benzathine Penicillin (Bicillin L-A) 2.4mu IMI Stat | Doxycycline 100mg PO BD 14 day course |
Non-infectious | Benzathine Penicillin (Bicillin L-A) 2.4mu IMI weekly for 3 weeks | Doxycycline 100mg PO BD day course |
Accessing Benzathine penicillin(Bicillin L-A)
Benzathine pencillin (Bicillin L-A) is now available through the Prescriber Bag scheme. As a GP you can order a box of Benzathine penicillin (Bicillin L-A) each month (i.e. 10 injections or 5 treatments per month) for free so that you can supply to your patients. For more information visit https://www.pbs.gov.au/browse/doctorsbag
Patients may find it difficult to access Benzathine penicillin (Bicillin-LA) from a community pharmacy. In general, pharmacists will be able to order Bicillin-LA for a patient and it be ready for collection the following day. However, greater delays may be experienced for patients in regional or remote areas.
If a patient is unable to access the medication from a community pharmacy and you don’t have any on your person, the below options are available to you.
The patient can be referred to a public sexual health clinic for further management and treatment.
- Royal Perth Sexual Health Clinic, Level 4, Ainslie House, Royal Perth Hospital, 48 Murray St, Perth WA 6000. Phone: (08) 9224 2178 and Fax: (08) 9224 3557
- South Terrace Sexual Health Clinic, A Block, Fremantle Hospital, South Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160. Phone: (08) 9431 2149
You may contact Metropolitan Communicable Disease Control (MCDC) who can assist you in accessing a supply of Benzathine penicillin. Phone (08) 9222‑8588, or Email ContactMCDC@health.wa.gov.au
Syphilis in HIV infection
Diagnosis and investigation of patients who are immunosuppressed should be discussed with a specialist with appropriate experience.
HIV positive patients who are immunosuppressed may not form antibodies. Forms of investigation and management should be performed by a specialist.
“Syphilis is on the rise in WA and your support can help stop the spread
Training and Education
ASHM
Syphilis training and Information website
M Clinic
M Clinic employs a syphilis project officer who is able to provide support and information around syphilis. Email us to find out more.
Resources
Read more about the Perth Metropolitan outbreak here
WA Department of Health
DoH Quick guide for Syphilis testing and treatment in WA (printable)
ASHA
STI management guidelines: Syphilis
DermNet NZ
King Edward Memorial Hospital
Latest news
RACGP
Syphilis is making a comeback: What GPs need to know
GP Connect