Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
11:14

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture

Published on: October 12, 2018

Malignant syphilis (leus maligna) in a HIV infected patient

P V Prasad1, T Paari, K Chokkalingam

  • 1Department of Dermatology and STD, Rajah Muthiah Medical College & Hospital, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, India.

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
|August 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This case study highlights malignant syphilis, a severe form of syphilis, in a HIV-positive patient. Prompt treatment led to lesion healing, leaving behind characteristic skin changes.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Syphilology

Background:

  • Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by *Treponema pallidum*.
  • Malignant syphilis (lues maligna) is a rare, severe variant of secondary syphilis.
  • Co-infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can alter the presentation and progression of syphilis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of malignant syphilis in an HIV-positive individual.
  • To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare condition.
  • To discuss the dermatological sequelae of treated malignant syphilis.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical case presentation and diagnostic workup.
  • Serological testing including Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) assay.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screening using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
  • Therapeutic intervention and follow-up assessment.

Main Results:

  • A 40-year-old male with a history of promiscuity presented with widespread nodulo-ulcerative skin lesions and a genital ulcer.
  • VDRL test was reactive at 1:64 dilution, and HIV ELISA was positive.
  • Diagnosis of malignant syphilis (lues maligna) was confirmed.
  • Patient responded well to appropriate treatment.
  • Lesions healed, resulting in hypopigmented macules, consistent with 'ichthyoderma colli'.

Conclusions:

  • Malignant syphilis is a critical diagnosis to consider in HIV-positive individuals presenting with severe dermatological manifestations.
  • Early and appropriate treatment is essential for managing malignant syphilis and preventing complications.
  • Residual hypopigmentation may occur following successful treatment, indicating the severity of the initial syphilitic involvement.

More Related Videos

An In vitro Co-infection Model to Study Plasmodium falciparum-HIV-1 Interactions in Human Primary Monocyte-derived Immune Cells07:39

An In vitro Co-infection Model to Study Plasmodium falciparum-HIV-1 Interactions in Human Primary Monocyte-derived Immune Cells

Published on: August 15, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Leishmaniasis01:30

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite exists in two principal morphological forms during its life cycle. A sandfly acquires intracellular amastigotes from an infected reservoir host, such as a dog. Within the sandfly, these forms differentiate into motile, flagellated promastigotes. During a subsequent blood meal, promastigotes are injected into the human host, where they...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Genital Herpes01:23

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), though herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasingly implicated in genital infections, particularly among younger populations. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, with asymptomatic viral shedding serving as a major route of spread. This characteristic makes HSV-2 difficult to control at a population level, as individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus even in the...