Malignant syphilis as the presenting complaint of advanced HIV

Int J STD AIDS. 2023 Jun;34(7):494-497. doi: 10.1177/09564624231162415. Epub 2023 Mar 15.

Abstract

Malignant syphilis is an infrequent secondary manifestation in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with polymorphous and disseminated skin lesions being related to severe immunosuppression. Lesions have intense inflammatory circinate, ulcer-crusted and nodular skin lesions of diffuse distribution throughout the body, that can be confused with vasculitis or cutaneous lymphomas. We report a patient recently diagnosed with HIV infection in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome stage with malignant syphilis as the debut of HIV.

Keywords: AIDS < viral disease; HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) < viral disease; Syphilis (treponema pallidum) < bacterial disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • HIV
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • Humans
  • Skin Neoplasms* / complications
  • Syphilis* / complications
  • Syphilis* / diagnosis
  • Syphilis* / drug therapy
  • Treponema pallidum
  • Ulcer