梅毒,\'伟大的模仿者\',由梅毒螺旋体感染引起,仍然是一种复杂和多方面的疾病,具有丰富的临床多样性历史。该指南旨在为南部非洲的医护人员提供全面的指南,提供对流行病学的实际见解,发病机制,临床表现,诊断测试,治疗原则,和公共卫生对梅毒的反应。虽然梅毒负担多年来有所下降,最近的数据表明令人不安的复苏,尤其是孕妇和新生儿。该指南强调了梅毒带来的诊断挑战,源于缺乏单一的高灵敏度和特异性测试。虽然用青霉素治疗仍然是治疗的基石,替代方案可用于特定场景。我们强调了彻底的患者随访和性伴侣管理的重要性,以确保梅毒病例的最佳护理。在公共卫生方面,我们强调需要共同努力应对梅毒日益增加的负担,特别是在高危人群中,包括艾滋病毒感染者。
Syphilis, \'the great imitator\', caused by Treponema pallidum infection, remains a complex and multifaceted disease with a rich history of clinical diversity. This
guideline aims to be a comprehensive guide for healthcare workers in Southern Africa, offering practical insights into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic testing, therapeutic principles, and public health responses to syphilis. Although the syphilis burden has declined over the years, recent data indicate a troubling resurgence, particularly among pregnant women and neonates. This
guideline highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by syphilis, stemming from the absence of a single high-sensitivity and -specificity test. While treatment with penicillin remains the cornerstone of treatment, alternative regimens may be used for specific scenarios. We highlight the importance of thorough patient follow-up and management of sex partners to ensure optimal care of syphilis cases. In the context of public health, we emphasise the need for concerted efforts to combat the increasing burden of syphilis, especially within high-risk populations, including people living with HIV.