Secondary syphilis in a preadolescent boy

Abstract

The problem of sexual abuse in children seems to be more common today. We report a case of acquired syphilis in an 11year old boy with painless lesion in penile region along with flat topped whitish plaque lesion in the perianal area. Serological test for syphilis was positive in the affected child. Both the parents and other siblings were negative for syphilis. Acquired syphilis in children is usually due to sexual abuse. Hence syphilitic lesions in preadolescent children should raise the suspicion of possible sexual abuse.

Keywords

• Acquired syphilis
• sexual abuse
• sexually transmitted diseases