Asymptomatic neurosyphilis after doxycycline therapy for early latent syphilis

Sex Transm Dis. 1993 Nov-Dec;20(6):346-7.

Abstract

A 50-year-old woman allergic to penicillin with early latent syphilis was treated with two courses of doxycycline. Ten months after diagnosis, she had no evidence of serologic response. A lumbar puncture demonstrated asymptomatic neurosyphilis. Penicillin desensitization was performed and she was successfully treated. This case re-emphasizes the need for close serologic follow-up in patients with latent syphilis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Desensitization, Immunologic
  • Doxycycline / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / etiology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurosyphilis / diagnosis
  • Neurosyphilis / drug therapy*
  • Penicillins / adverse effects
  • Penicillins / therapeutic use*
  • Spinal Puncture
  • Syphilis / drug therapy*
  • Syphilis Serodiagnosis
  • Treatment Failure

Substances

  • Penicillins
  • Doxycycline