Background: Syphilis has recently reemerged as a significant public health con- cern, with rising incidence rates globally. Malignant syphilis is a rare and severe variant of secondary syphilis, often associated with immunocompromised states, particularly HIV in- fection. Methods: Here, we reported a rare case of malignant syphilis in a young man with well-controlled HIV. Case: A 35-year-old man with well-controlled HIV presented with disseminated ulcerated nodules and plaques, accompanied by fever, asthenia, and mild itch- ing. Histopathology of the scapular ulcer revealed a granulomatous infiltrate. Cutaneous leishmaniasis, atypical mycobacteriosis, and T-cell lymphomas were excluded. Serological testing and polymerase chain reaction confirmed a diagnosis of malignant syphilis.

Pipito', L., D'Avenia, S., Orlando, E., Cascio, A. (2025). An Adult with Fever and Progressive Ulcerative Lesions: A Case of Malignant Syphilis. SEXES, 6(1) [10.3390/sexes6010003].

An Adult with Fever and Progressive Ulcerative Lesions: A Case of Malignant Syphilis

Pipito', Luca
Primo
;
D'Avenia, Simona;Orlando, Elisabetta;Cascio, Antonio
2025-01-08

Abstract

Background: Syphilis has recently reemerged as a significant public health con- cern, with rising incidence rates globally. Malignant syphilis is a rare and severe variant of secondary syphilis, often associated with immunocompromised states, particularly HIV in- fection. Methods: Here, we reported a rare case of malignant syphilis in a young man with well-controlled HIV. Case: A 35-year-old man with well-controlled HIV presented with disseminated ulcerated nodules and plaques, accompanied by fever, asthenia, and mild itch- ing. Histopathology of the scapular ulcer revealed a granulomatous infiltrate. Cutaneous leishmaniasis, atypical mycobacteriosis, and T-cell lymphomas were excluded. Serological testing and polymerase chain reaction confirmed a diagnosis of malignant syphilis.
8-gen-2025
Pipito', L., D'Avenia, S., Orlando, E., Cascio, A. (2025). An Adult with Fever and Progressive Ulcerative Lesions: A Case of Malignant Syphilis. SEXES, 6(1) [10.3390/sexes6010003].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10447/696585
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