Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Procedures for In Vitro Cultivation of Treponema pallidum, the Syphilis Spirochete
09:45

Procedures for In Vitro Cultivation of Treponema pallidum, the Syphilis Spirochete

Published on: January 24, 2025

Syphilis and otolaryngology

Steven D Pletcher1, Steven W Cheung

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.

Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America
|October 22, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, presents with diverse symptoms, earning it the nickname "the great imitator." Otolaryngologists must recognize its head and neck signs despite antibiotic treatments reducing overall prevalence.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Syphilis is an ancient sexually transmitted infection (STI) with varied clinical presentations.
  • Often called "the great imitator," syphilis can mimic numerous other diseases.
  • Despite antibiotic advancements, sporadic outbreaks of syphilis persist globally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To inform otolaryngologists about the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of syphilis.
  • To highlight the importance of recognizing syphilis in head and neck presentations.
  • To emphasize the need for continued vigilance regarding syphilis in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical and current literature on syphilis.
  • Analysis of syphilis's diverse clinical manifestations, particularly in the head and neck.
  • Discussion of the disease's basic pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Syphilis exhibits a wide range of symptoms affecting multiple organ systems.
  • Head and neck manifestations are common and can be the primary presentation.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term complications.

Conclusions:

  • Otolaryngologists play a vital role in the early detection of syphilis.
  • Familiarity with syphilis's varied presentations is essential for accurate diagnosis.
  • Continued awareness and diagnostic capability are necessary to manage ongoing syphilis outbreaks.

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