Syphilis on the Rise: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Syphilis on the Rise: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Given our clinic's high syphilis rates and especially high-risk patient population, the authors have seen more syphilis this year than the average NP sees in a lifetime. Our increased vigilance in considering a diagnosis of syphilis—even with seemingly benign complaints—is evident in this article. However, this high level of suspicion and frequent use of screening has been beneficial to our patients. The morbidity associated with syphilis makes awareness of risk factors, symptoms, appropriate laboratory testing, and treatment guidelines important tools for NPs. Obtaining an adequate sexual history followed by frank discussion of the patient's risk factors may yield information that can prompt the provider to consider a wider differential diagnosis list. Only if the clinician considers a patient's potential for sexually transmitted infections can the appropriate tests can be performed and diagnosis ultimately made.
Many providers are hesitant to ask personal questions of patients to avoid uncomfortable conversations, but this is a disservice to the patient and may result in serious complications. We are hopeful that the information presented in this article provides a basic understanding for clinicians unfamiliar with discussing, diagnosing, and treating sexually transmitted infections.
Conclusion
Given our clinic's high syphilis rates and especially high-risk patient population, the authors have seen more syphilis this year than the average NP sees in a lifetime. Our increased vigilance in considering a diagnosis of syphilis—even with seemingly benign complaints—is evident in this article. However, this high level of suspicion and frequent use of screening has been beneficial to our patients. The morbidity associated with syphilis makes awareness of risk factors, symptoms, appropriate laboratory testing, and treatment guidelines important tools for NPs. Obtaining an adequate sexual history followed by frank discussion of the patient's risk factors may yield information that can prompt the provider to consider a wider differential diagnosis list. Only if the clinician considers a patient's potential for sexually transmitted infections can the appropriate tests can be performed and diagnosis ultimately made.
Many providers are hesitant to ask personal questions of patients to avoid uncomfortable conversations, but this is a disservice to the patient and may result in serious complications. We are hopeful that the information presented in this article provides a basic understanding for clinicians unfamiliar with discussing, diagnosing, and treating sexually transmitted infections.
