Syphilis: The great imitator

Abstract

The rates of syphilis in the UK are rising. Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. If left untreated, it can have serious health implications. Diagnosing syphilis remains a challenge due to its diverse spectrum of clinical presentations. Oral manifestations can present in the primary, secondary and tertiary stages of the disease. Therefore, dental professionals are well positioned to detect the signs. This article reviews the stages of the disease, its oral manifestations, and conditions that syphilis may mimic. A case report of a patient presenting in the primary stage of the disease is discussed. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental professionals should be able to identify the oral signs of syphilis because prompt referral in the early stages of disease can prevent long-term syphilitic complications.