[Acquired syphilis during human immunodeficiency virus infection. 6 cases]

We retrospectively studied the clinical, serological, bacteriological and histopathological data obtained in 6 HIV seropositive patients seen in our department from 1986 to 1989 for secondary syphilis. The clinical presentation was atypical in 4 of the 6 patients, with 2 palmoplantar keratodermas and 2 ulcerative syphilids. The diagnosis was made on darkfield examination in 2 patients, high titers of antibodies in 6 and histopathological examination (numerous plasma cells) in 4. All were cured with the classical penicillin therapy recommended for early syphilis.